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FLORULd  BOSTOJ\*IEJ\rSIS, 


COLLECTION 


OF 


PLANTS  OF  BOSTON 

AND  ITS  ENVIRONS, 


WITH  THEIR  GENERIC  AND  SPECIFIC  CHARACTERS,  SYNONYMS, 

DESCRIPTIONS,  PLACES  OF  GROWTH,  AND  TIME  OF 

FLOWERING, 


OCCASIONAL  REMARKS. 


BY  JACOB  BIGELOW,  M.  D. 


BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED  BY  CUMMINGS  AND  HILLIARD,  NO.   1,  CORNHILL. 
C*ambridge::::Hilliard  &  Metcalf,  printers. 

1  8  1 4-. 


DISTRICT  CLERK'S  OFFICE. 

District  of  Massachusetts,  to  ivit. 

Be  it  remembered,  that  on  the  21st  clay  of  May,  1814,  and  in  the  thir- 
ty eighth  year  of  the  independence  of  the  United  States  of  America,  Ja- 
cob BiGELOw  of  the  said  district  has  deposited  in  this  office  the  title  of 
a^  book,  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  author,  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit,  •'  Florula  Bostoniensis  :  A  collection  of  Plants  of  Boston  and  its 
environs,  with  their  generic  and  specific  characters,  synonyms,  descrip- 
tions, places  of  growth,  and  time  of  flowering,  and  oceasional  remarks. 
Br  Jacob  Bicelow,  m.  d." 

In  conformity  to  the  Act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  enti- 
tled, "  An  Act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies 
of  maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies 
during  the  times  therein  mentioned  :"  and  also  to  an  Act  entitled,  "  An 
Act  supplementary  to  an  Act  entitled,  An  Act  for  the  encouragement  of 
learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors 
and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  tlie  times  therein  mentioned  ;  and 
extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  engraving,  and 
etching  historical  and  other  prints." 

W  S  SHAW  ^  ^^^^^  of  the  lyistrict 
'  C.    of  Massachusetts, 


TO  THE 

TRUSTEES  OF  THE  MASSACHUSETTS  SOCIETY 
FOR  PROMOTLYG  AGRICULTURE, 

THIS  WORK 

IS  INSCRIBEIij 

AS   A  TESTIMONY   OF   RESPECT. 

BY 
THEIR  OBEDIENT  SERVANT, 

THE  AUTHOR. 


118324 


Ait, 

Alton. 

Mill. 

Miller. 

Curt. 

Curtis. 

Muhl. 

Muhlenburg. 

Erh. 

Erhart. 

Pers. 

Persoon. 

Frel. 

FrcElich. 

Poir. 

Poiret. 

Gart. 

Gaertner* 

Reich. 

Reichard. 

L. 

Linnaeus. 

Sm. 

Smith. 

Lam. 

Lamarck 

Siv. 

Swartz. 

Lamb. 

Lambert. 

Walt. 

Walter. 

V  Her. 

1'  Heritier. 

Wang. 

Wangenheim. 

Mich. 

Michaux. 

Willd. 

Willdenow. 

Mich.f.  Michaux  the  younger* 

PREFACE. 

During  the  very  flattering  attendance  which^ 
for  the  last,  and  the  present  season,  has  been  be- 
stowed on  the  botanical  lectures  in  this  place,  and 
the  prevailing  taste  which  has  been  manifested  for 
the  study  of  plants  ;  it  was  impossible  not  to  feel  the 
great  inconvenience  arising  from  the  deficiency  of 
botanical  books.  The  common  standard  works  of 
the  science,  those  containing  the  genera  and  species 
of  plants,  are  hardly  so  much  as  heard  of  by  name  in 
our  bookstores.  These  works,  even  when  obtained, 
being  principally  in  Latin,  are  useless  to  a  great  class 
of  amateurs  of  the  science,  who  are  not  conversant  in 
the  learned  languages.  To  this  it  may  be  added, 
that  a  great  number  of  American  plants  have  never 
been  fully  described,  that  all  that  is  known  con- 
cerning them  is  contained  in  the  few  words  of  a 
specific  character,  which  to  the  student,  or  inexpe- 
rienced botanist,  can  hardly  afford  a  necessary  de- 
gree of  satisfaction  and  certainty. 

I  have  been  influenced  by  these  circumstances 
in  determining  to  offer  to  the  friends  of  botany  in  this 
section  of  the  country,  the  present  collection  of 
plants,  which  has  been  undertaken  with  the  hope 


VI 

that  it  may  be  found  to  answer  some  useful  purpose 
as  a  book  of  practical  reference,  until  some  more 
extensive  work  may  appear  among  us. 

The  plants  described  in  this  book  h^-'e  been 
collected  during  the  two  last  seasons  in  the  vicinity 
of  Boston,  within  a  circuit  of  from  five  to  ten  miles. 
These  limits  have  only  been  exceeded  in  the  case  of 
a  few  remarkable  plants,  as  Magnolia,  Podophyl- 
lum, &c.  whose  places  of  growth  and  distance  from 
Boston  are  distinctly  noticed.  It  is  presumed 
however  that  the  vegetables  of  this  part  of  the  coun- 
try will  serve  as  a  tolerable  specimen  of  the  botany 
of  the  Avhole  New  England  states,  and  particularly 
of  the  maritime  parts. 

No  plants  have  been  inserted,  which  were  not 
found  growing  spontaneously,  or  in  their  wild  state. 
Of  these  a  majority  are  originally  native,  the  rest 
liave  emigrated  to  us  from  other  countries.  Plants 
which  are  found  growing  only  in  a  state  of  cultiva- 
tion, are  omitted  ;  and  among  others  the  numerous 
cultivated  trees  and  shrubs. 

In  describing  the  plants,  the  genera  have  been 
placed  at  the  head  of  each  class,  and  the  species 
afterward  in  the  same  order,  with  corresponding 
numbers.  On  account  of  the  smallness  of  their 
number,  it  has  not  been  thought  necessary  to  repeat 
the  generic  characters  singly,  especially  as  many  of 
them  are  given  more  at  large  than  mere  essential 
characters.  In  the  species  I  have  carefully  avoid- 
ed all  changes  of  names  or  unnecessary  innovations 


vu 

of  any  sort.  The  specific  characters  have  been 
taken  from  authors  with  as  much  fidelity  as  was 
consistent  with  translation,  except  where  these 
characters  were  found  to  be  obviously  imperfect. 
In  a  few  instances  characters  of  superfluous  length 
have  been  abridged,  (^ahr.J  and  sometimes  the 
terms  have  been  changed  for  more  convenient  ones 
of  the  same  import,  ^m.  t.J  Occasionally  also  the 
character  has  been  taken  from  a  synonym,  and 
marked  accordingly,  ("suh  syn.J 

In  some  instances  it  appears  probable,  and  even 
evident,  that  different  plants  have  been  intended  by 
different  authors  under  the  same  name.  In  these 
cases  I  have  preferred,  for  the  present,  not  to 
change  the  name,  but  to  give  it  on  the  authority  of 
that  author  who  has  described  the  plant  intended  in 
this  work. 

The  principal  synonyms  of  recent  botanists 
have  been  given.  To  each  specific  character  has 
been  added  a  more  full  description  of  the  plant  ta- 
ken from  actual  specimens,  together  with  the  place 
of  growth,  time  of  flowering  and  duration,  and  oc- 
casional remarks  on  the  properties  and  uses  of  par- 
ticular species,  collected  from  authors,  or  derived 
from  personal  observation. 

The  present  work  does  not  profess  to  contain  a 
complete  collection  of  the  plants  of  this  section  of 
the  country.  Such  an  undertaking,  neither  my 
present  leisure  and  opportunities,  nor  the  time  al- 
lotted for  this  publication,  would  permit.     I  may 


viu 


perhaps  entertain  a  hope  of  being  able  at  a  future 
period  to  atone  in  some  measure  for  this  deficiency. 
At  present  I  shall  be  satisfied  if  the  work,  now  of- 
fered to  the  public,  sliould  prove  an  auxiliary  to 
the  study  of  an  interesting  science,  and  be  satisfac- 
tory to  those  friends  who  have  obligingly  aided  me 
with  facilities  during  its  composition.  I  flatter  my- 
self that  among  its  faults,  the  most  numerous  will 
not  be  its  errors  ;  and  whatever  may  be  its  fate 
with  the  public,  I  shall  retain  the  consciousness, 
that  it  has  not  been  the  result  of  superficial  inquiry, 
or  negligent  observation. 

Boston,  May,  1814. 


i 


FLORULA  BOSTONIENSIS- 


Class  I.        MONANDRIA.       One  stamen. 
Order  I.        MOJ^OGYJVM.        One  style. 

1.  Salicornia.  Calyx  inflated,  entire  ;  petals 
Hone ;  stamens  one  or  two  ;  seed  one,  in^closed  in 
the  calyx* 

Order  II.         DIGFJVIJ.  Two  styles. 

2.  Callitriche.  Calyx  none  ;  petals  two  ; 
seeds  four,  compressed,  naked,  with  a  margin  on 
one  side  ;  flowers  sometimes  monoecious. 


a  Class  I.     Order  II. 

MONANDRIA. 

MOJyOGI.N'M. 

1.        SALICORNIA. 

Salioormia  herbage  a.  Mich.    Glass  wort,  jointed  samphire, 
Pigeons  foot. 

Herbaceous,  small,  erect ;  spikes  linear-oblong ; 
peduncles  compressed,  widening  at  top.     Mich, 

A  fleshy,  branching,  leafless  plant ;  not  commonly  exceed- 
ing half  a  foot  in  height.  Joints  of  the  stem  compressed,  some- 
what four  sided.  Branches  opposite,  subdivided,  terminating  in 
scaly  spikes.  It  gi'ows  in  salt  marshes  and  flowers  in  August 
and  September.— Annual. 

The  plant  here  described  differs  from  the  European,  in  hav- 
ing the  tops  of  the  joints  even  and  entire,  not  emarginate  ;  also 
in  the  scales  of  the  calyx,  which  are  very  acute. 

Different  species  of  Salicornia  are  among  the  maritime 
plants  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  Soda.  They  are  used  at 
table  as  pickles. 

DIGFJ^TM. 

2.        CALLITRICHE. 
CallitRiIohe  AquATicA.  Sm.  Water  starwort. 

Stem  floating  ;  upper  leaves  spatulate,  obovate. 

Synonym.     CALLifRlcHE  verna.     L. 

The  leaves  are  small ,  opposite,  inversely  ovate  or  wedge 
shaped,  rounded  at  the  end,  (not  acute  as  in  the  European  ;)  the 
upper  ones  forming  star  like  tufts  on  the  ends  of  the  stem. 
Flowers  minute,  axillary,  solitary,  sessile.  It  grows  in  fresh 
water,  supported  by  its  floating  upper  leaves ;  flowering  above, 
but  ripening  its  seeds  under  water. — Found  in  Roxbury. — An- 
nual. 


Class  II.     Order  I.  3 

Class  II.        DIANDRIA.       Two  stamens. 
Order  I.      MOJ^OGY.YIJ.       One  style, 
A.     Floivers  inferior^  77iono/tetalous,  regular. 

3.  LiGusTRUM.  Corolla  four  cleft ;  berry  two 
celled,  four  seeded. 

B.  Flowers  inferior,  monofietalous,  irregular,  Jruit  cafisular. 

4t.  Veronica.  Corolla  four  cleft ;  rotate,  the 
lowest  division  narrow  ;  capsule  superior  two  celled. 

5.  Gratiola.  Corolla  four  cleft,  two  lipped  ; 
calyx  mostly  seven  leaved ;  stamens  four,  two  of 
them  barren  ;  capsule  two  celled. 

6.  Utricularia.  Corolla  ringent,  spurred  ; 
calyx  two  leaved  ;  capsule  one  celled. 

C.  Flowers  inferior,  monofietalous,  irregular  :    seeds  naked. 

7-  Lycopus,  Corolla  four  cleft,  nearly  equal, 
one  of  the  divisions  notched ;  stamens  distant ;  seeds, 
four. 

8.  MoNARDA.  Corolla  ringent ;  upper  lip  li- 
near, involving  the  filaments  ;  seeds  four. 

9.  CuNiLA.  Corolla  ringent :  upper  lip  flat ; 
stamens  four,  two  of  them  barren  ;  seeds  four. 


4!  Class  II.     Order  II. 

10.  CoLLiNSONiA.  Corolla  somewhat  ringent  5 
lower  lip  many  cleft,  capillary  ;  seed  one. 

D.     /''lowers  sufierior. 

11.  CiRC^A.  Calyx  two  leaved  ;  corolla  two 
petalled ;  petals  inversely  heart  shaped  ;  capsule 
two  celled  ;  cells  one  seeded. 

Order  II.        DIGYJ^M.        Twq  styles. 

IS.  Anthoxanthum.  Calyx,  glume  two  valv^ 
ed,  one  flowered  ;  corolla,  glume  two  valved,  awn- 
ed. 


Class  11.     Order  I.  5 

DIANDUIA. 

3.  LIGUSTRUM. 

LiGUSTRUM  vuLGARE.    L.  Fvivet  or  Prim. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  acute ;  panicle  crowded.   Willd, 

An  ornamental  shrub  with  smooth,  opposite,  spear  shaped 
leaves,  thickening  at  the  ends  of  the  branches.  Remarkable  in 
summer  for  its  panicles  of  small  white  flowers,  and  in  autumn 
for  its  conical  bunches  of  black  berries.  Frequent  in  woods,  and 
near  fences,  particularly  in  Roxbury. — May,  June. 

4.  VERONICA, 

Veronica  serpyllifoua.     L.  Smooth  Speedwell. 

Raceme    terminal,    somewhat  spiked  ;     leaves 

ovate  somewhat  crenate,  three  nerved,  glahrous  ; 

capsules  obcordate,  shorter  than  the  styles.     Smith. 

A  small  plant,  hardly  distinguishable  among  the  grass,  ex- 
cept when  in  flower.  Stem  decumbent,  rooting  at  the  base  ; 
leaves  opposite,  roundish  ovate  ;  flowers  bluish  white  with  vio- 
let stripes  ;  capsules  inversely  heart  shaped. — Pastures  and  road 
sides. — May?  June. — Perennial. 

Veronica  scutellata.     L.  Marsh  Speedwell. 

Racemes  lateral,  alternate  ;  partial  flower  stalks 
divaricated  ;   leaves  linear,  slightly  indented.    Sm. 

Stem  weak,  leaves  opposite,  linear-lanceolate  slightly  tooth- 
ed ;  racemes  axillary,  consisting  of  a  few  small  flowers  of  a  pale 
flesh  colour  with  purplish  stripes.  Stalks  of  the  fruit  bent 
backward.  Found  very  common  in  wet  places,  varying  in  size 
according  to  the  quantity  of  water,  flowering  all  summer, — Pe» 
rennial. 


6  Class  II.     Order  I. 

5.        GRATIOLA. 
Gratiola  aurea.    Muhl.  Hedge  Hyssop. 

Leaves  lanceolate  with  few  teeth  ;    sterile  fila- 
ments none  ;  capsule  nearly  equalling  the  calyx. 

Syn.  Gratiola   officinalis.     Mich. 

Stem  smooth,  upright  or  ascending  at  base,  mostly  simple, 
half  a  foot  high.  Leaves  opposite,  sessile,  somewhat  claspmg, 
smooth,  dotted  under  a  magnifier,  oblong-lanceolate,  with  a 
slight  tooth  or  two  on  each  side  toward  the  end.  Peduncles  ax- 
illary, alternate,  slender.  Calyx  leaves  seven,  linear -lanceolate, 
two  of  them  external.  Corolla  irregulai',  yellow,  its  tube  curv- 
ed, and  hairy  within.  Stamens  two  inserted  in  the  sides  of  the 
corolla.  Style  long,  persistent. — Borders  of  ponds  and  muddy 
places.— September. 

6.        UTRICULARIA. 

Utricularia  vulgaris.    L.  Bladder  wort. 

Nectary  conical  ;  scape  with  few  flowers.     L. 

An  aquatic  plant,  appearing  above  water  only  with  its  stalk 
and  flowers.  The  roots  are  slightly  fixed  to  the  mud  at  bot- 
tom, the  rest  of  the  plant  floats  in  the  water  by  means  of  nume- 
rous small  air  bladders  attached  to  its  immersed  portions. 
Flowers  yellow. — Ditches  and  stagnant  waters. — June,  July.— ■ 
Perennial. 

7.        LYCOPUS. 
Lycopus  Euiiop^us.     L  Water  horehound. 

Lower  leaves  cut,  upper  leaves  lanceolate,  ser- 
rate ;  calyx  acuminate-prickly.     Mich. 

Stem  square  ;  leaves  opposite,  lower  ones  deeply,  upper 
ones  more  slightly  toothed.  Flowers  in  whorls.  This  plant,  as 
Dr.  Smith  observes,  resembles  the  mints,  but  has  no  aromatic 
smell. — iWet  ground,  flowering  all  summer.— Perennial. 


Class  n.     Order  I.  7 

8.        MONARDA. 
MoNARDA  ALLOPHYLLA.    Midi.  Soft  Monorda, 

Leaves  oblong,  sharply  serrate  ;  head  terminal ; 
calyx  bearded  at  the  edge ;  corollas  slender,  elon- 
gated.    Mich.  n 

Syn.     MoNARDA  oblongata,     jiit. 

Stem  square,  commonly  purple  or  spotted,  two  feet  high ; 
leaves  soft  and  downy,  rounded  at  base,  serrate  on  the  sides,  entire 
towards  the  point.  Petioles  and  smaller  branches  downy.  Brac- 
tes.and  calyxes  ciliate.  Flowers,  in  terminal  heads,  blue  or 
flesh  coloured.— Lynn  beach  island.  Waltham. — July,  August. 
— Perennial. 

The  taste  of  the  whole  plant  resembles  that  of  thyme. 

9.        CUNILA. 
CuNiLA  puLEGioiDEs.    L.  Pennyroyal, 

Leaves  oblong,  two  toothed ;  flowers  whorl- 
ed.     L. 

A  well  known  pungent  and  strong  scented  plant.  Leaves 
opposite  ;  lanceolate-oval  with  a  few  teeth  on  each  side.  Flow- 
ers in  numerous  whorls  ;  calyxes  with  the  upper  lip  ending  in 
three  points,  the  lower  in  two  bristles. 

This  plant  having  found  its  way  into  England,  was  describ- 
ed as  a  new  species  of  mint,  under  the  name  of  ?nent/ia  exigua, 
until  Dr.  Smith  detected  the  eiTor. 

In  dry  grounds.— .July,  August. — Annual. 

10.        COLLINSONIA. 
CoLLiNsoNiA  Canadensis.    L.  Horse  weed. 

Leaves  heart-ovate  ;  stem  smooth ;  teeth  of  the 
calyx  subulate,  shorter  than  the  tube. 


8  Class  il.     Order  II. 

Plant  three  or  four  feet  high.  Leaves  opposite,  very  large 
serrate  and  acuminate,  the  lower  ones  on  long  petioles,  the 
upper  pair  sessile.  Panicle  terminal,  its  branches  opposite. 
Flovsrers  dull  yellow ;  lower  lip  of  the  corolla  fringed.  Sta- 
mens distant,  slender,  very  long.  Style  very  long  ;  stigma  bi- 
fid.*^—Roxbury,  road  side.— July,  August. — Perennial. 

II.        CIRC^A. 
CiRc^A  LUTETiANA,     L.  EncJiauters  nightshade. 

Stem    erect ;     leaves    ovate,    slightly   toothed, 
opaque,  pubescent.     Smith. 

Syn.     CiRCAEA  Canadensis.     Muhl. 

Stem  round  ;  leaves  opposite.  Flowers  in  terminal  racemes ; 
petals  inversely  heart  shaped,  reddish  white  ;  capsules  round- 
ish, covered  with  minute  hooks  ;  stalks  of  the  capsules  bent 
backward, — Moist  woods,  particularly  on  Lynn  beach  Island.— 
June,  July. — Perennial. 

12.    ANTHOXANTHUM. 

Anthoxanthum  ODORATUM.  L.     Sweet  scetited  vemttl  gvuss.^ 

Spike  ovate-oblong  ;    flowers  longer  than  their 
awns,  standing  on  short  stalks.     Smith. 

Stem  about  a  foot  high.  Leaves  short,  flat ;  sheathes  some- 
what swelling ;  stipule  lanceolate,  scarious.  Spike  terminal, 
solitary  ;  calyx  glumes  unequal,  rough  on  the  back  ;  corolla 
shorter  than  the  calyx,  awned  on  the  back. 

This  grass,  when  partly  faded,  is  exceedingly  fragrant, 
whence  its  name.  It  grows  on  farms  where  it  was  formerly  in- 
troduced from  Europe. — May,  June,— Perennial. 


Class  III.     Order  II.  9 


Class  Ul.        TRIANDRIA.  Three  stamens. 
Order  I.        MOJ^OGYJ^M.         One  style. 
A.     Flowers  superior. 

13.  Iris.  Corolla  six  parted,  the  divisions  al- 
ternately reflected ;  stigmas  petal  form. 

B.  Flowers  inferior. 

14.  Xyris.  Corolla  three  petalled ;  calyx  two 
valved ;  capsule  three  celled. 

C.  Flowers  grassy. 

1&.  ScHCENUS.  Corolla  none  ;  calyx  of  fasci- 
cled, chaffy  scales  ;  seed  one,  roundish. 

16.  Cyperus.  Corolla  none  ;  calyx  of  chaffy 
scales  imbricate  two  ways  ;  seed  mostly  naked. 

17.  SciRPUs.  Corolla  none  ;  calyx  of  chaffy 
scales  imbricate  every  way  ;  stigmas  three  ;  seed 
mostly  naked. 

18.  Eriophorum.  Corolla  none ;  calyx  of  im- 
bricate scales ;  seed  invested  with  long  wooly  hair. 

19.  Spartina.  Calyx  two  valved,  compress- 
ed, one  valve  larger,  longer,  and  carinated ;  corolla 
two  valved. 

Order  II.  DIGIJ^U.  Two  Uyks. 

A.     Flowers  scattered,  one  in  each  calyx. 

20.  Panicum.     Calyx  three  valved,  the  third 

S 


10  Class  m.     Order  11. 

v^lve  dorsal  and  very  minute  ;   corolla  permanent, 
investing  the  seed. 

21.  Alopecurus.  Calyx  two  valved,  one  flow- 
ered ;  corolla  one  valved  ;  flowers  spiked. 

22.  Trichodium.  Calyx  two  valved,  one  flow- 
ered ;  corolla  one  valved,  awnless  ;  flowers  pani- 
cled. 

B.     Flowers  scattered,  several  in  each  calyx. 

23.  Phleum.  Calyx  two  valved,  one  flowered, 
sessile,  linear,  truncate,  ending  in  a  point,  inclosing, 
and  longer  than  the  corolla. 

24.  Agrostis.  Calyx  two  valved,  one  flower- 
ed ;  the  valves  acute  ;  corolla  two  valved,  unequal, 
larger  than  the  calyx. 

25.  Leersia.  Calyx  none  ;  corolla  two  valv- 
ed, closed. 

26.  Uniola.  Calyx  many  valved  ;  spikelet 
ovate,  carinate. 

27.  Dactylis.  Calyx  of  two  valves,  many 
flowered,  one  of  the  valves  larger,  longer,  compres- 
sed, carinate. 

28.  PoA.  Calyx  two  valved ;  spikelet  round- 
ed at  the  base  ;  corolla  two  valved,  the  valves  ovate, 
somewhat  acute,  awnless. 

29.  Briza.  Calyx  two  valved ;  corolla  inflat- 
ed, its  valves  heart-shaped,  mostly  obtuse. 

30.  Festuca.  Calyx  two  valved ;  spikelet  ob- 
long, roundish,  with  pointed  glumes. 

31.  Bromus.     Calyx  two  valved  ;  spikelet  ob- 


Class  m.     Order  HI.  11 

long,  roundish,  two  ranked ;    awn  from  below  the 
top  of  the  valves. 

33.  Arundo.     Calyx  two  valved ;  corolla  wool- 
ly at  the  base,  awnless. 

C.     Flowers  sfiiked  on  a  long  slender  recefitacle. 

33.  LoLiUM.    Calyx  one  valved,  many  flowered. 
jk^        34.  Triticum.     Calyx  two  valved,  many  flow- 
ered. 

35.  Elymus.     Involucre  four  leaved,  two  flow- 
ered ;  flower  compound. 

36.  HoRDEUM.      Involucre  six  leaved,  three 
floAvered ;  flowers  simple. 

Order  III.  TRIGYJ^M.  Three  styles. 

A.  Flowers  inferior. 

37.  Lechea.      Corolla  three  petalled ;    calyx 
three  leaved  ;  capsule  three  celled,  three  valved. 

38.  MoLLUGo.     Corolla  none  ;  calyx  five  leav- 
ed ;  capsule  three  celled. 

B.  Floiuers  sitjierior. 

39.  Proserpinaca.     Corolla  none ;  calyx  three 
parted  ;  seed  one,  three  celled. 


IS  Class  m.     Order  I. 

TRIANDRIA. 

13.     IRIS. 

Iiiis  ViRGiNicA.     L.      Virginian  Iris.     Common  blue  flag  or 
flower  de  luce. 

Flowers  beardless  ;  leaves  ensiform ;  stem  acute 
on  one  side  ;  segments  of  the  stigma  turned  back- 
ward. 

A  prmcipal  ornament  of  meadows  and  wet  grounds,  its  large 
blue  flov/ers  appearing  in  June.  Stem  from  one  to  three  feet 
high,  compressed,  with  one  side  sharper  than  the  other.  Leaves 
sword  shaped,  a  little  curved  at  the  point.  Germs  obtusely 
three  cornered  with  flat  sides.  Outer  petals  revolute,  more  than 
twice  the  size  of  the  inner.— "Perennial. 

Iris  gracilis,  fmihij.  Boston  Iris. 

Iris  imberbis  ;  foliis  linearibus  ;  caule  tereti, 
jplurifloro  ;  germinibus  trigonis,  lateribus  bisulcis. 

Flowers  beardless  ;  leaves  linear  ;  stem  round, 
many  flowered ;  germs  triangular,  twice  grooved  on 
the  sides. 

Root  fleshy,  sending  out  short  runners  from  which  new 
plants  arise  ;  stem  round,  smooth,  slender,  from  one  to  two  feet 
high,  branching  at  top,  bearing  several  alternate  leaves,  apd 
from  two  to  eight  flowers.  Leaves  linear,  erect,  sheathing  at 
their  base.  Bractes  or  involucres  close,  becoming  dry.  Pe- 
duncles flattened  on  the  inside,  varying  in  their  proportions  to 
the  bractes,  but  commonly  longer.  Outer  petals  slender,  spread- 
ing, purple  at  the  edge,  yellow  and  veined  in  the  middle,  the 
yellow  portion  much  greater  than  in  the  last  species.      Inner 


Class  III.     Order  L  13 

petals  lanceolate,  slightly  emarginate.  Germs  oblong,  three 
sided  ;  sides  with  two  deep  parallel  grooves,  the  whole  repre- 
senting a  cylinder  with  three  smaller  ones  attached  to  its  sides. 
As  the  germ  enlarges  the  distance  between  the  two  furrows 
does  not  increase^  and  they  are  nearly  obliterated  in  the  capsule, 
which  is  triangular  and  turgid  with  its  three  rows  of  seeds. 

Found  at  South  Boston  and  Cambridge  in  the  same  places 
with  Iris  Virginica,  but  much  less  frequent. — June.— r-Perennial. 

14.     XYRIS. 

Xtris  Jupicai.  Mich,  Yellow  eyed  grass. 

Leaves  linear,  somewhat  obtuse ;  scape  near 
the  head  dilated,  two  edged  ;  scales  rounded. 
Mieh,  abr. 

Syn.     Xtris  Caroljniana.     Lam.  Poir. 

Root  bulbous  ;  leaves  grassy,  shorter  than  the  scape  ;  scape 
erect,  two  edged,  twisted,  a  little  widened  at  top.  Heads  round* 
ish,  rather  acute,  supporting  a  mimber  of  small  yellow  florets 
projecting  out  of  the  scales,  hairy  within,  and  consisting  of  three 
ovate,  crenate  petals. — Meadows. — July,  August. — Perennial. 

15.    SCHCENUS. 
ScHOENUs  ALBUs.    L.  White  headed  bog  rush. 

Culm  three  sided,  leafy  5  flowers  fascicled  ; 
leaves  setaceous. 

A  smooth,  grassy  plant,  with  white  heads  of  flowers.  Stem 
half  a  foot  or  miore  in  height,  three  sided,  mostly  smooth.  Leaves 
mostly  belonging  to  the  stem,  alternate,  sheathing,  the  sheaths 
tubular  or  entire.  Flowers  in  fascicles  on  footstalks,  terminal 
and  axillary,  erect.  Glumes  white,  afterward  becoming  brown- 
ish. Seeds  surrounded  with  short  hairs.-— In  low  woods  and 
swamps. — Brighton. — July. — Perennial; 


14j  Class  III.     Order  I. 

16.  CYPERUS. 

CvpEiius  spATHACEus.  L.  Sheathed  Cyperus. 

Culm  round,  leafy ;  leaves  alternate,  witli  en- 
tire sheaths  ;  racemes  axillary  and  terminal. 

£yn.     SciRPUS  spathaceus.     Mich. 

A  tall  leafy  grass.  Stem  smooth,  hardly  three  sided,  cover- 
ed with  numerous  short,  flat,  smooth,  spreading  leaves,  proceed- 
ing from  sheaths  w^hich  are  perfectly  entire  or  tubular,  the 
part  opposite  the  leaf  ending  in  a  rounded  point.  The  lower 
leaves,  not  the  sheaths,  are  deciduous.  Racemes  mostly  axil- 
lary. Peduncle  compressed,  bearing  fi'om  five  to  eight  alter- 
nate, sessile,  narrow  spikelets  of  about  six  flowers.  Glumes 
two  ranked.  Seeds  surrounded  with  hairs.— "Borders  of  ponds 
and  rivers. — August. — Perennial. 

17.  SCIRPUS. 

SciRPus  TRiquETER.     Mick.  Triangular  club  rush. 

Culm  leafless,  three  sided ;  spikelets  lateral, 
shorter  than  the  point,  sessile,  conglomerate,  oblong- 
ovate.     Mich,  abr. 

A  naked,  triangular  rush,  two  or  three  feet  in  height. 
Culm  straight,  smooth,  acute  angled  and  sharp  pointed.  Spikes 
few,  in  a  lateral  bunch  near  the  top,  mostly  sessile,  crowded, 
reddish.  Glumes  carinate  pointed,  with  a  dilated,  lacerated 
margin. — Salt  marshes. — July,  August.— Perennial. 

In  this  variety,  the  spikes  are  few  in  number,  mostly  sessile, 
and  generally  two  inches  or  more  below  the  top  of  the  stem.  It 
corresponds  with  the  figure  of  Plukenct,  but  hardly  with  that  of 
Sowerbv. 


Class  III.     Order  I.  15 

SciRPUS  MARiTiMus.  L,  Sea  club  rush. 

Culm  triangular,  panicle  clustered,  leafy,  termi- 
nal ;  glumes  pointed,  torn  into  three  segments.  Sm, 

Syn.     SciRPUS   MACROSTACHrus.     Lam.    Muhl. 

Culm  erect,  smooth,  one  or  two  feet  high,  leafy  at  base. 
Leaves  linear,  acute,  rough  on  the  margin.  Bractes  or  floral 
leaves  several,  very  unequal  in  length.  Panicle  resting  on  these, 
crowded,  consisting  of  large  sessile  and  pedunculated  spikes, 
ovate,  conspicuous  by  their  dull  chesnut  colour  and  yellow  an- 
thers. The  glumes  are  ovate,  shining,  slightly  carinated,  divid- 
ed into  three  small  segments  at  tip,  the  middle  one  of  which  is 
prolonged  into  a  short,  setaceous  awn. — Salt  marshes  and  ditch- 
es.— July.— Perennial. 

SoiRPus  retrofraotus.  L.  Burr  rush. 

Culm  triangular ;    umbel  simple ;    spikelets  di- 
varicated. 

A  conspicuous  grass  in  meadows  and  low  grounds.  Stem 
erect,  with  three  acute  angles.  Leaves  smooth,  with  a  rough 
edge.  Floral  leaves  several,  very  long,  unequal.  Rays  of  the 
umbel  unequal,  with  terminal  spikes.  Spikelets  numerous,  lin- 
ear-subulate, closely  imbricate,  sessile,  surrounding  their  com- 
mon stalk,  and  inserted  nearly  at  a  right  angle  with  it. — July, 
August. — Perennial. 

SciRPUs  AcuTus.  MuhL  Pointed  bullrush. 

Culm  round,  leafless,  equal ;  spikes  several,  be- 
low the  top,  oblong,  somewhat  umbelled. 

This  nearly  resembles  the  large  bullrush,  (Scirpus  lacus- 
tris,J  but  differs  in  its  fructification,  which  is  lateral,  never  ter- 
minal. Culm  erect,  round,  smooth,  naked,  filled  with  light, 
spongy  pith,  often  spotted,  five  or  six  feet  high,  uniform  in  size 
for  the  greater  part  of  its  length,  ending  in  an  acute  point. 


19  Class  III.     Order  h 

Spikes  several,  in  a  cyme  or  umbel  about  an  inch  below  the  tip, 
oblong  and  closely  imbricate.  Peduncles  smooth,  compressed, 
unequal. — ^In  deep  water  at  Fresh  Pond  and  elsewhere. — June, 
July. — 'Perennial. 

18.    ERIOPHORUM. 
Eriophorum  angustifolium.  Reich.     Common  cotton  grass. 

Culm  round  ;    leaves  channelled,  triangular  at 
the  tip  ;  spikes  several,  on  flower  stalks. 

This  grass  is  sufficiently  conspicuous  by  the  cotton  like  tufts,, 
it  supports  throughout  the  summer.  Stem  round,  smooth. 
Leaves  a  little  shorter  than  the  stem,  smooth,  channelled,  ter- 
minating in  a  slender  three  sided  point.  Spikes  ovate,  nodding, 
on  peduncles  of  different  lengths,  commonly  simple,  rarely  com- 
pound. Glumes  brown  with  a  scarious  margin.  Tufts  of  hair 
fine,  whitish,  of  a  silken  appearance. — Common  in  meadows. — 
Perennial. 

Eriophorum  Cyperinum.  L.  Red  cotton  grass. 

Culm  slightly  three  sided,  leafy  ;  panicle  more 
than  decompound,  proliferous  ;  spikelets  numerous. 

Sij7t.     SciRPUs  Eriophorum.     Mich. 

A  common  and  very  tall  meadov/  grass.  Culm  erect,  firm, 
smooth,  leafy,  round,  a  little  compressed  on  three  sides.  Pani- 
cle umbelled,  nodding,  terminal,  with  a  large  leafy  involucre. 
Peduncles  numerous,  unequal,  rough,  supporting  other  panicles 
or  umbels,  with  smaller  involucres.  Spikelets  in  heads,  very 
numerous,  small,  ovate,  covered  with  dull  reddish  wool. — Au- 
gust.—-Perennial. 

19.     SPARTINA. 

Spartina  Cynosuroides.  Muhl.  Rough  grass. 

Spikes  numerous,  alternate  or  scattered ;   pe- 


Class  III.     Order  I.  17 

duncles  rough ;  outer  valve  of  the  calyx  rough  with 
minute  teeth  on  the  back. 

Sljn.   DACfTLIS  crSOSUROIDES.      L. 

TRACHrtfOTlA  CTNOSUROIDES.      Mich. 

Stem  three  feet  high,  round  and  smooth.  Leaves  very 
long,  smooth,  somewhat  rough  on  the  margin,  the  edges  convo- 
lute when  the  plant  grows  near  the  sea.  Spikes  numerous,  on 
rough  peduncles,  given  off  successively  from  the  three  sides  of 
a  triangular  common  stalk.  Flowers  closely  imbricated,  in  a 
double  row,  leaning  to  one  side  of  their  flexuous  receptacle.  In- 
ner valve  of  the  calyx  very  small ;  outer  valve  much  larger, 
carinated,  and  rough  with  minute  prickles  on  the  keel. — Marsh- 
es.— August. — Perennial. 

Spartina  juncea.    Muhl.  Short  rough  grass. 

Spikes  from  one  to  three  ;  peduncles  smooth ; 
outer  valve  of  the  calyx  rough  with  minute  teeth  on 
the  back ;  leaves  convolute-setaceous. 

Sy7t,       TRACHTNOflA    JUNCEA.       Midi. 

A  much  smaller  grass  than  the  preceding,  which  it  resem- 
bles in  the  form  of  its  spikes.  Stem  round,  smooth,  about  a 
foot  high.  Leaves  alternate,  somewhat  two  ranked,  acquiring 
when  rolled  up,  a  filiform  appearance.  Spikes  about  two,  on 
smooth  stalks,  shorter  than  in  the  foregoing  species,  but  similar 
in  shape.  Outer  valve  of  the  calyx  nerved,  rough  on  the  keel 
like  the  last.  Anthers  purplish. — Salt  marshes. — July. — Pe- 
rennial. 

Spartina  glabra.  MxM,  Ditch  grass. 

Spikes  numerous,  sessile,  somewhat  imbricat- 
ed ;  valves  of  the  calyx  mostly  glabrous. 

A  large  rank  grass,  common  about  muddy  shores  and  in  salt 
3 


18  Class  in.     Order  II. 

water  ditches.  Stem  rovnid,  smooth,  three  or  four  feet  high. 
Leaves  very  long,  smooth,  acute.  Spikes  ten  or  a  dozen,  ses- 
sile, lying  over  each  other,  with  their  backs  successively  appli- 
ed to  the  three  sides  of  a  long  triangular,  smooth,  common 
stalk.  Flowers  closely  imbricated,  in  a  double  row,  leaning 
outward,  as  in  the  former  species.  Inner  valve  of  the  calyx  li- 
near. Outer  valve  many  times  larger,  compressed,  and  to  the 
naked  eye  glabrous.  Through  a  glass  it  is  found  ciliated  on 
the  keel.  Anthers  straw  coloured. — August,  September. — Per- 
ennial. 

DIGFJ^M. 

20.     PANICUM. 
Panicum  glaucum.    L.  Glaucous  panic  ^"rass. 

Spike  oblong,  involucres  of  many  bristles,  two 
flowered  ;  glumes  bearing  the  seed,  undulate-wrin- 
kled.   Mich.  abr. 

Culm  round,  striated,  grooved  at  top.  Leaves  flat,  rather 
broad,  with  striated  even  sheaths  and  hairy  stipules.  Spike 
cylindrical ;  flowers  commonly  in  pairs,  accompanied  by  bris- 
tles of  a  yellowish  green,  rough  forward.  Corolla,  inclosing  the 
seed,  transversely  corrugated.— —About  cultivated  and  loAV 
grounds. — J  uly . — Annual . 

Panicum  verticillatum.  L.  Whorled  panic  grass. 

Spike  wliorled  ;  spikelets  in  fours  ;  involucres 
of  two  bristles,  rough  with  reversed  teeth,  and  em- 
bracing a  single  flower.     Sm. 

Culm  spreading,  rough  near  the  spike.  Leaves  bi'oad,  very 
rough  forward  ;  stipules  hairy.  Spike  single,  rather  cylindri- 
cal, composed  of  crowded  spikelets  arranged  in  whorls.  This 
grass  is  readily  distinguished  from  the  last  and  from  Panicum 


Class  III.     Order  II.  19 

viride,  by  drawing  the  spike  downward  tlw-ough  the  hand.  A 
rough  sensation  is  felt  from  the  bristles  being  bearded  backward, 
which  is  not  perceived  in  the  other  species  which  are  bcai'ded 
forward. — Cultivated  grounds. — July,  August. — Annual. 

Panicum  Crus  galli.    L.  Cocksfoot  panic  grass. 

Spike  doubly  compound,  its  stalk  mostly  five 
angled  ;  spikelets  alternate  or  in  pairs,  subdivided; 
calyx  bearded,  rough.     Sm. 

Readily  distinguished  from  the  two  last  by  its  large  com» 
pound  spikes,  and  large  leaves.  Culm  striated,  smooth.  Leaves 
broad  and  long,  rough  on  the  margin.  Sheaths  smooth  swell- 
ing. Stipules  none.  Receptacle  or  spike  stalk  rough,  angu- 
lar.    Calyx  ribbed,  a  little  hairy,  Avith  short,  variable  awns. 

Rubbish  and  cultivated  grounds. — July,  August. — Annual. 

Panigum  sanguinale.     L.  Purple  panic  grass. 

Spikes  finger  like,  tlieir  receptacles  winged, 
flexuous,  knotted  at  base  ;  flowers  in  pairs,  awn- 
less. 

Syn.       DlGlVARIA    SANGUINALIS.      Midi. 

Known  at  sight  by  its  radiating,  umbelled,  or  finger  like 
spikes.  Culms  ascending,  rooting  fi'om  their  lower  joints. 
Leaves  acute,  waved  at  the  edge,  a  little  hairy.  Sheaths  striat- 
ed, hairy,  sometimes  smooth,  upper  ones  longer  than  their  leaves. 
Spikes  diverging  from  the  top  of  the  culm  at  one  or  more  points ; 
their  receptacle  compressed,  serpentine,  with  spikelets  of  two 
and  sometimes  of  three  or  four  flowers  in  its  depressions.— Cul- 
tivated grounds. — July,  August.— Annual. 

Panicum  capillare.     h.  Hairy  panic  grass. 

Sheaths  very  hairy ;  panicle  capillary,  branch- 
ing, decompound,  lax  ;  flowers  minute,  all  pedicel- 


30  Class  III.     Order  II. 

led,    solitary,    oblong- ovate,  acuminate,  awnless. 
Mich, 

A  tall,  branching  grass,  the  culm,  leaves,  and  especially 
the  sheaths  covered  vv^ith  thick,  rigid,  horizontal  hairs.  Panicle 
often  a  foot  long  and  nearly  as  wide,  its  branches  long,  straight, 
stiff,  slender,  given  off  at  right  angles,  knotted  at  the  base.  Pe- 
duncles capillary,  supporting  solitary,  scattered,  naked  flowers. 
— Frequent  in  corn  fields,  Sec  flowering  about  July. — Annual. 

Panicum  LATiFOLiuM.     L.  Broud  kaved  patiic  gvass. 

Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  clasping ;  sheaths  hai- 
ry at  the  neck  ;  panicle  with  lateral  racemes. 

Distinguished  from  most  other  grasses  around  it  by  its  very 
broad  leaves.  Culm  smooth,  giving  out  branches  from  its  joints. 
Leaves  wide,  rough  at  the  edge,  acuminate,  clasping  the  stem, 
Jiairy  where  they  unite  with  their  sheaths.  Panicle  of  small  or 
middling  size,  with  its  branches  mostly  simple,  the  lower  ones 
sometimes  compound.  Glumes  ovate,  striate,  awnless.— -Woods. 
—May,  June,— Perennial. 

21.    ALOPECURUS. 

Alopecurus  GENicuLATus.     L.  Floothig  Foxtail  gtass. 

Culm  ascending,  bent  at  the  joints  ;  spike  some- 
what  compound,  cylindrical ;  glumes  obtuse,  hairy. 

Stems  of  various  lengths,  ascending,  forming  knees  or  an- 
gles at  the  joints,  and  rooting  from  the  lower  ones,  when  the 
plants  grow  in  the  water.  Leaves  rather  smooth  and  short, 
their  sheaths  a  little  swelling.  Spike  cylindrical,  obtuse,  di- 
visible into  lobes.  Glumes  of  the  calyx  obtuse,  fringed  with 
long  hairs.  Corolla  awned  at  base.— Ponds  and  ditches. — July. 
—Perennial. 


Class  III.     Order  11.  31 

22.    PHLEUM. 
Phleum  pratense.    L.  Herds  grass  or  cat^s  tail  grass. 

Spike  cylindrical,  very  long;  glumes  fringed 
at  the  back,  longer  than  the  awns.     Sm. 

Culm  upright,  round,  smooth.  Leaves  flat,  pointed,  rough 
on  the  upper  side ;  sheaths  long,  striated ;  stipules  blunt. 
Spike  long,  cylindrical,  upright.  Calyx  of  two  glumes  fringed 
with  hairs  on  the  back,  square  or  truncated  at  the  end,  with 
two  short  awns. — June,  July. — Perennial. 

This  grass  is  extensively  cultivated,  forming  a  chief  con- 
stituent of  what  is  with  us  called  English  hay.  It  is  usually 
denominated  herds  grass,  and  sometimes  improperly  fox  tail 
grass.  In  England  it  is  known  by  the  name  of  cat's  tail,  and 
Timothy  gj-ass,  the  last  bui'lesque  appellation  derived  from 
Mr.  Timothy  Hanson,  one  of  its  early  propagators.  It  is  said 
to  have  fallen  there  into  disrepute,  although  its  reputation  is 
good  in  this  country.  Professor  Martyn  and  Mr.  Curtis  speak 
of  it  as  a  harsh,  coarse  grass,  in  all  respects  inferior  to  the  true 
foxtail  grass,  (Alopecurus  pratensis.) 

23.    AGROSTIS. 
Agrostis  VULGARIS.      With.  Red  toji.     Fine  bent  grass. 

Panicle  spreading  with  divaricated,  capillary 
branches ;  calyx  valves  equal ;  inner  petal  obtuse, 
half  as  long  as  the  other.     Sm. 

A  pretty  common  grass  in  dry  mowing  land  and  pastures, 
usually  -entering  into  the  composition  of  our  English  hay. 
Stem  erect,  smooth,  slender,  leafy.  Leaves  narrow,  acute, 
with  long  sheaths.  Panicle  erect,  red,  its  branches  very  numer- 
ous and  fine,  arranged  in  half  whorls,  flexuous  and  variously  di- 
vided. Flowers  numerous  and  very  small.  Calyx  valves  lan- 
ceolate, acute,  spreading,  purple  at  base,  scarious  on  the  mar- , 


2a  Class^III.     Order  n. 

gin.    Inner  valves  of  the  corolla  half  as  long  as  the  outer.-— 
June,  July. — Perennial. 

Agrotis  alba.  •  L.  W 

Panicle  loose ;    culm  creeping ;    calyx   valves 
equal,  lanceolate,  polished,  rough  on  the  keel.  Sm. 

Stems  spreading,  ascending,  rooting  at  the  lower  joints. 
Leaves  rough,  their  sheaths  smooth.  Panicle  loose,  consisting 
of  somewhat  distant  half  whorls,  its  branches  much  subdivided 
and  roughish.  Flowers  lanceolate,  shining,  white  or  purplish 
brown.  Valves  of  the  calyx  equal,  acute,  rough  on  the  back 
only. — Meadows. — June,  July, — Perennial. 

24.     TRICHOPIUM. 

Trichodium  laxiflorum.    Mich.  Tliin  grass* 

Culms  erect,  leaves  narrow,  short ;  sheaths 
somewhat  rough.     Pars. 

This  grass  is  readily  known  by  its  very  thin,  spreading, 
capillary  panicle  Stem  erect,  smooth.,  slender.  Leaves  short, 
glabrous,  on  roughish  sheaths.  Panicle  consisting  of  very  long, 
straight,  rough  branches,  of  a  purplish  colour,  hardly  larger 
than  hairs,  and  very  flexible.  These  are  given  off  in  half 
whorls,  and  are  repeatedly  subdivided  into  three  or  four  branch- 
lets  at  a  time.  Flowei^  minute,  scattered  at  the  ends  of  the 
branches.  Glumes  lanceolate,  acute. — Road  sides. — July.— 
Perennial. 

25.    LEERSIA. 
Leersia  ouYzoiDEs,     Swuvtz,  Cut  grass. 

Panicle  loose ;  spikelets  triandrous ;  keel  of 
the  glumes  ciliate.     Sw. 

Sim.     Phalaris  ortzoides.     L. 


Class  III.     Order  II.  S3 

•Sterti  about  two  feet  in  height.  Leaves  rough,  narrow, on  long 
rough  sheaths.  Panicle  erect,  spi-'eading,  with  slender,  rough 
branches.  Flowers  very  distinguishable  by  their  oval  figure 
and  white  colour.  Glumes  of  the  corolla  compressed,  the  two 
valves  shut  together,  so  as  to  assume  an  elliptical  fox*m,  with 
the  curvatui'e  on  one  side  greatest.  Keel  of  the  valves  ciliated, 
giving  the  circumference  of  the  flower  a  fringed  appearance.— 
Wet  places. — August. — Perennial. 

26.     UNIOLA. 

Uniola  spicata.     L.  Spike  grass. 

Somewhat  spiked;  leaves  involute,  rigid.     L, 

A  common  grass  of  the  salt  marshes.  Stem  a  foot  high, 
round,  smooth.  Leaves  of  the  stem  numerous,  short,  smooth, 
increasing  in  frequency  upward,  the  upper  ones  hardly  an  inch 
apart,  rolled  up  so  as  to  acquire  a  setaceous  form^  commonly 
investing,  and  often  overtopping  the  spike.  Spike  irregular, 
about  an  inch  long,  consisting  of  ten  or  a  dozen  small,  compress- 
dd,  crowded  spikelets.  Glumes  flattened,  sharp  on  the  backif— 
July.— Perennial. 

37.     DACTYLIS', 
Dactylis  glomerata.     L.  Orchard  grass. 

Panicle  crowded,  leaning  one  way.     Sm. 

Root  perennial.  Culms  round,  rough  toward  the  top. 
Leaves  very  rough.  Stipules  cloven  or  torn.  Panicle  of  flow- 
ers consisting  of  close  bunches  on  rough  and  rigid  peduncles  ; 
leaning  toward  one  side.  Calyx  pubescent  and  rough,  the  in- 
ner valve  twice  as  large  as  the  outer,  and  shortly  awned. — June. 
— Perennial. 

A  coarse,  but  extremely  hardy  and  productive  grass,  said 
to  be  much  more  luxuriant  here  than  in  Europe. — By  fences, 
thickets,  kc. — June,  July. 


S4  Class  III.     Order  II. 

28.     POA. 
PoA  PRATENSis.    L.  CommoYi  spear  grass. 

Panicle  spreading  ;  spikelets  of  four  flowers ; 
glumes  lanceolate,  five  nerved,  connected  by  a 
web ;  stipule  short  and  blunt.     Sm. 

Spear  grass  or  meadow  grass  is  found  in  all  situations,  con- 
stituting a  considerable  portion  of  the  common  turf  in  pastures, 
road  sides.  Sec.  Culms  leafy,  slender,  smooth,  often  stolonife- 
rous.  Leaves  spreading,  blunt,  with  obtuse  or  truncated  stip- 
ules. Panicle  large,  loose,  of  horizontal  fine  branches,  bearing 
many  ovate  spikelets  of  about  four  flowers. — June. — Perennial. 

This  is  an  excellent  and  useful  grass. 

PoA  ooMPREssA.    L.  Blue  grass. 

Panicle  condensed,  its  brandies  leaning  one 
way ;  erect,  before  and  after  flowering.  Culm  as- 
cending, compressed.     Sm. 

Root  creeping.  Stem  decumbent  at  base,  erect  above,  very 
much  compressed,  whence  the  name.  Leaves  commonly  glau- 
cous, narrow,  with  long  sheaths.  Panicle  erect,  croAvded,  tend- 
ing to  one  side,  obtvise  ;  its  branches  short  and  rough,  appres- 
sed  to  the  stem  except  at  the  time  of  flowering.  Spikelets  ovate. 
Florets  closely  imbricate,  varying  in  number,  connected  at 
base  by  a  thin  web. — Dry  grounds. — July,  August. — Perennial. 

PoA  ANNUA.    L.  Annual  spear  grass. 

Panicle  divaricated ;  spikelets  ovate ;  florets 
a  little  remote,  five  ribbed,  destitute  of  a  web ; 
stem  oblique,  compressed.     Sm. 

A  smaller  grass  but  equally  common  with  the  first.  It  is 
annual  in  duration,  but  rapid  in  increase,  and  commonly  the  first 


Class  III.     Order  II.  25 

grass  to  appear  on  new  grounds.  Culms  smooth,  flattened, 
spreading  obliquely.  Leaves  flaccid,  obtuse,  their  margin  wav- 
ed in  the  middle.  Stipules  sharp.  Panicle  erect,  with  its 
branches  depressed  when  old. 

29.    BRIZA. 

Briza.  Canadensis.    Mich.  Rattlesnake  grass. 

Panicle  lax,  spikelets  erect,  with  from  four  to 
ten  florets  ;  calyx  very  small ;  outer  valve  of  the 
corollas  oval,  acute.     Mich.  abr.  m.  t. 

A  large  grass  found  in  meadows  and  readily  recognized  by 
its  swelling  spikelets.  Stem  erect,  smooth.  Leaves  rough  on 
the  back.  Panicle  loose,  with  slender  branches,  nodding. 
•Spikelets  numerous,  on  distinct  footstalks,  ovate,  erect  or  nod- 
ding. Valves  of  the  calyx  short  and  narrow.  Outer  valve  of 
the  corolla  oval,  inflated,  acute,  with  a  scarious  point  and  mar- 
gin.   Inner  valve  obtuse.— July.  ^ 

30.    FESTUCA. 

Festuca  elatior.  L.  Tall  Fescue  grass. 

Panicle  drooping,  spreading  loosely  every  way, 
much  branched ;  spikelets  ovate-lanceolate,  acute  ; 
florets  cylindrical,  obscurely  ribbed.    Sm. 

Stem  three  or  four  feet  high,  glabrous.  Leaves  wide  and 
long,  smooth  with  a  rough  margin.  Panicle  large,  decom- 
pound, loose  and  nodding.  Spikelets  numerous,  pedunculated, 
ovate-oblong,  acute.  Glumes  of  the  calyx  unequal,  acute,  keel- 
ed, glabrous.  Florets  numerous,  two  ranked,  glabrous.— 
Meadows  and  thickets. — June.— Perennial. 

This  is  a  very  productive  and  useful  grass. 
4 


2G  Class  III.     Order  li. 

Festuca  FLuiTANs.  L.  Floating  fescuB  gTcss, 

Panicle  branched,  erect ;  spikelets  subsessile, 
cylindric,  awnless.     L, 

Syn.  PoA  flui'Tans.   S?n. 

A  thrifty  aquatic  grass,  found  in  wet  meadows  and  the  edg- 
es of  ponds  and  streams.  Stems  rooting  at  base,  tall,  round, 
smooth.  Leaves  flat,  smooth,  the  lower  ones  loose  and  floating. 
Sheaths  long,  compressed.  Panicle  very  long,  nearly  erect, 
with  alternate  branches  pressed  near  to  the  stalk.  Spikelets 
linear,  round,  upright.  Calyx  unequal,  smooth,  not  very  acute. 
Anthers  short  and  round.  This  grass  thrives  in  inundated 
grounds,  and  is  very  grateful  to  horses  and  cattle. — June,  July. 
— Perennial. 

31.  BROMUS. 

Bromus  secalinus.   L.  Rye  Bronie grass. 

Panicle  spreadiag ;  peduncles  but  little  branch- 
ed ;  spikelets  ovate,  compressed,  of  about  ten  dis- 
tinct, somewhat  cylindrical  florets.    Sm^ 

Stem  erect,  three  feet  high,  smooth.  Leaves  flat,  rough  at 
the  edge  and  underneath,  somewhat  hairy  above.  Sheaths 
smooth.  Panicle  spreading,  its  branches  rough,  unequal,  most- 
ly simple,  and  one  flowered.  Spikelets  large,  nearly  oval,  of 
about  ten  florets.  Calyx  unequal,  smooth.  Outer  glume  of 
the  corollas  swelling,  with  a  rough  awn  inserted  at  the  back  a 
little  below  the  tip. — June. — Perennial. 

32.  ARUNDO. 

AnuNDO  Phragmites.  L.  Common  Reed. 

Calyx  containing  five  florets,  panicle  loose.  L* 

A  native  of  wet  situations.  Culm  of  the  height  of  a  man^ 
very  erect  and  smooth.    Leaves  lanceolate,  long  and  broad,  flat 


Class  III.     Order  U.  27 

and  sharp  pointed.  Panicle  erect  or  nodding,  conspicuous  for 
the  long,  slender,  shining  hairs  which  project  from  the  flowers, 
and  give  the  whole  a  bright  silvery  appearance. — Found  at  the 
edges  of  deep  waters,  particularly  on  the  north  side  of  Fresh 
Pond,  where  it  resembles  at  a  distance  a  field  of  standing  corn. 
Flowers  in  July  and  August. — Perennial. 

33.     LOLIUM. 
LoLiuM  PERENNE.  L.  Ray  grass.    Darnel. 

Spike  awnless ;    spikelets  compressed,  longer 
than  the  calyx.     Sm. 

Stem  a  foot  or  more  hi  height,  round,  smooth.  Leaves 
smooth,  with  short  stipules  clasping  the  stem.  The  stem  ter- 
minates in  a  long,  smooth,  flexuous  rachis  or  receptacle,  to  the 
two  sides  of  which  the  spikelets  are  fixed,  alternately,  and  at 
some  distance  from  each  other.  Calyx  sessile,  of  one  valve, 
containing  a  flat  ovate,  acute,  sharp  edged  spikelet  of  close 
lanceolate  florets. — May,  June. — Perennial. 

34.     TRITICUM, 
Triticum  repens.  L.  Couch  grass. 

Calyx  subulate,  many  nerved,  five  flowered ; 
florets  sharp  pointed ;  leaves  flat ;  root  creeping. 
Sm. 

This  grass  has  a  long,  creeping  root,  penetrating  deeply  in- 
to the  earth,  and  very  tenacious  of  life,  wliich  renders  it  a  trou- 
blesome weed  in  cultivated  grounds.  Steni  about  two  feet 
high.  Leaves  spreading,  flat,  rough  on  the  edge  and  upper  sur- 
face. Stem  ending  in  a  flexuous  receptacle,  bearing  two  rows  of 
alternate,  sessile  spikelets,  more  numerous  and  crov/ded,  than 
in  Lolium  perenne.  Glumes  all  lanceolate,  subulate,  and  acu- 
minate.— Flowers  all  summer. — Perennial. 


S8  Class  III,     Order  n. 

es.    ELYMUS. 
Elymus  Virginicus.  L.  Lyme  grwss. 

Spike  erect ;  spikelets  three  flowered ;  involu- 
cre striated.     X. 

The  large  erect  spikes  of  this  grass  resemble  at  a  distance 
heads  of  barley.  The  stem  is  round  and  smooth.  Leaves 
smooth,  somewhat  rough  on  the  margin.  The  stem  ends  in  a 
compressed,  flexuous,  toothed  receptacle  ;  each  tooth  support- 
ing an  involucre  of  four  striated,  rough,  lanceolate  glumes,  end- 
ing in  short  awns.  Each  involucre  contains  two  or  three  flow- 
ers. Calyx  lanceolate  with  a  straight  terminal  awn.— -Marshes. 
-—July. — Perennial. 

36.    HORDEUM. 
Ho-RDEUM  JUBATUM.    ^it.  Squivvel  tail  gvass. 

Lateral  florets  abortive,  tlieir  awns  many  times 
shortest ;  involucres  setaceous,  six  times  as  long  as 
the  flower. 

This  grass  is  remarkable  for  the  length  and  fineness  of  its 
awns,  which  give  to  its  spikes  a  hairy  appearance.  Stems  slen- 
der, smooth,  and  round,  two  feet  high.  Ixaves  rather  short, 
rough  on  the  back  and  edge.  Sheaths  smooth.  Receptacle 
compressed,  ciliate  on  the  edges,  jointed,  breaking  at  the  joints 
as  the  plant  dries.  Flowers  two  ranked,  one  at  each  joint  or 
tooth  of  the  receptacle.  Each  perfect  floret  is  surrounded  at 
its  base  by  an  involucre  of  six  long  capillary  awns,  two  of  which 
are  distinct ;  the  other  four  unite  in  pairs  a  short  way  from  their 
insertion,  each  pair  with  a  minute,  abortive  floret  in  its  fork. 
Outer  glume  of  the  calyx  lanceolate,  ending  in  an  awn  six  times 
its  length,  and  equalling  those  of  the  involucre.— •Marshes.-^ 
June. 


Class  III.     Order  HI.  89 

TRIGFJ^M. 

37.     LECHEA. 
Leg  HE  A  MAJOR.  L.  Large  Pin  weed. 

Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  flowers  lateral,  scatter- 
ed. L, 

An  upright  hairy  plant,  found  upon  rocks,  dry  hills,  and 
sandy  fields  exposed  to  the  sun.  Stem  from  one  to  two  feet 
high,  stiff,  brittle,  purple,  covered  with  hair.  Leaves  nearly 
oval,  reflexed  at  the  margin,  downy,  whitish  underneath.  Flow- 
ers small,  obscure,  crowded  upon  the  ends  and  sides  of  the 
branches,  followed  by  roundish  capsules  of  the  size  of  a  large 
pin  head. — July,  August. 

Lechea  minor.  L.  Small  Pin  weed. 

Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  flowers  panicled.     L. 

Grows  with  the  last  in  diy  sterile  situations,  and  is  about  half 
its  size,  its  branches  finer  and  more  spreading.  Stem  upright, 
less  hairy  than  the  last,  giving  off  leaves  and  branches  somewhat 
in  whorls.  Leaves  narrow,  revolute  at  the  margin.  Branches 
*  numerous,  mostly  simple.  Flowers  minute,  in  small  lateral 
and  terminal  racemes.  Capsules  round,  not  larger  than  mus- 
tard seed. — July,  August. 

38.     MOLLUGO. 
MoLLUGo  verticillata.  L.  Carpet  weed. 

Leaves  whorled,  wedge-form,  acute ;  stem  sub- 
divided, decumbent ;  peduncles  one  floAvered.  L. 

A  small,  flat,  spreading  plant  common  in  cultivated  ground. 
Stems  prostrate,  jointed,  simple  or  compound,  giving  off  at 
each  joint  a  whorl  of  wedge-shaped  or  spatulate  leaves,  and  a 
few  small  flowers  on  simple  footstalks. — Flowers  at  midsummer 
and  after. 


30  Class  in.     Order  III. 

39.     PROSERPINACA. 
Proserpinaca  palustris.  L.         Spear  leaved  Proserpinaciu 

Lower  leaves  subpinnatifid  or  cut- serrate  ;  the 
rest  linear-lanceolate,  sharply  serrate.  Mich. 

An  aquatic,  remarkable  for  its  very  hard,  triangular,  axillary 
fruit.  The  leaves  stand  alternately  on  the  stem,  are  narrow, 
pointed,  with  very  acute  serratures.  When  the  plant  grows  in 
the  water,  its  immersed  leaves  are  cut  into  linear  segments. 
Flowers  two  or  three  in  the  axil  of  each  leaf.  Nut  bony,  three 
sided,  three  celled.— Found  in  meadows  and  ponds.— June,  Ju- 


Class  TV,     Order  I.  31 


Class  IV.       TETRANDRIA.  Four  stamens. 
Order  I.       MOJ^OGYmA.     One  style. 

40.  Cephalanthus.  Proper  calyx  superior, 
funnel  form ;  common  receptacle  globular ;  seed 
one,  downy. 

41.  Plant  AGO.  Calyx  four  cleft ;  corolla  four 
cleft ;  inferior  with  a  reflected  border ;  stamina 
very  long ;  capsule  two  celled,  opening  transverse- 

ly- 

43.  Centaurella.  Calyx  four  parted ;  corol- 
la four  parted,  somewhat  bell  shaped ;  capsule  in- 
vested with  the  permanent  corolla  and  calyx,  one 
celled,  two  valved. 

43.  MiTCHELLA.  Corolla  monopetalous,  supe- 
rior, two  on  each  germ;  stigmas  four;  berry  bifid, 
four  seeded. 

44.  HousTONiA.  Corolla  monopetalous ;  cal- 
yx four  toothed ;  capsule   two  celled,  two  valved. 

45.  Galium.  Corolla  flat,  superior  ;  seeds 
two. 

46.  CoRNus.  Calyx  four  toothed ;  corolla  four 
petalled,  superior ;  drupe  with  a  two  celled  nut. 

47.  PoTHos.  Spathe  one  leaved ;  spadix  sim- 
ple, covered  with  flowers ;  calyx  none  ;  petals 
four ;  berry  mostly  two  seeded. 

48.  IsNARDiA.  Calyx  campanulate,  four  cleft, 
permanent ;  corolla  none :  capsule  four  celled. 


33  Class  IV.     Order  IV. 

Order  II.       DIGFJVM.     Two  styles. 

49.  Hamamelis.  Involucre  three  leaved  ; 
proper  calyx  four  leaved ;  petals  four ;  nut  two 
celled,  with  two  horn^. 

Order  IV.     TETRAGFJVM. 

50.  Ilex.  Calyx  four  toothed ;  corolla  mono- 
petalous  ;  styles  none ;  berry  four  seeded. 

51.  PoTAMOGETON.  Calyx  none  ;  corolla  four 
petalled  ;  seeds  four,  sessile. 


# 


Class  TV.     Order  I.  33 

TETRANDRIA. 

40.    CEPHALANTHUS. 

CEPHAJ.ANTHUS  OCCIDENTALIS.   L.  Buttotl  busk. 

Leaves  opposite  or  in  threes.     L. 

Button  bush  or  river  bush  is  a  frequent  ornament  of  tlie  wa- 
ter side,  its  insulated  thickets  furnishing  a  safe  retreat  for  the 
nests  of  the  black  bird  (Oriolus  phoeniceus.)  The  shrub  rises 
five  or  six  feet  out  of  the  water,  its  leaves  are  tough,  spreading, 
pointed,  and  entire.  In  the  month  of  July  it  puts  forth  its  spher* 
ical  heads  of  flowers,  which  at  a  distance  appear  not  vmlike  the 
balls  of  the  plane  tree.  Receptacle  globular,  of  the  size  of  a 
large  pea,  covered  with  whitish  funnel  shaped  flowers.  The 
long  projecting  stamens  give  to  the  whole  a  bristly  aspect.  The 
appearance  of  this  shrub  on  elevated  ground,  often  indicates  the 
presence  of  springs  of  water. 

41.    PL  ANT  AGO. 

Plant  AGO  MAJOR.  L.  Large  plantain. 

Leaves  ovate,  sinootbish,  somewhat  toothed 
"with  rather  long  footstalks  ;  scape  round ;  flowers 
imbricated ;  seeds  numerous.     Sm. 

This  vegetable,  which  grows  at  every  one's  door,  and  not 
the  less  for  being  trampled  under  foot,  is  in  considerable  re- 
pute among  many  people  as  a  refrigerant  external  application. 
Leaves  spreading  on  the  ground,  on  channelled  footstalks  con- 
taining strong  fibres,  like  others  of  the  genus,  which  draw  out 
when  the  stalks  are  broken.  Spikes  very  long  and  close.  As  in 
others  of  the  kind,  the  flowering  commences  at  bottom  and  pro- 
ceeds very  gradually  toward  the  top. — Flowers  most  of  the  sum- 
mer.— Perennial. 

5 


34  Class  IV.     Order  L 

Plantago  LANCEOLATA.  L.  Ribwovt  ov  field  plantain. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  tapering  at  each  end ;  spike 
ovate,  naked ;  scape  angular.     Sm, 

Distinguished  from  the  hist  "by  its  narrow  leaves^  short 
spikes,  and  furrowed  stalk.  The  leaves  are  lanceolate,  acute, 
entire,  and  strongly  ribbed.  Stalk  upright,  deeply  channelled. 
Spike  dark  coloured,  ovate,  with  a  circle  of  projecting,  whitish 
stamens. — Pastures  and  z-oad  sides. — From  May  to  October.— 
Perfennial. 

Plantago  maritima.  L.  Sea  plantain. 

Leaves  linear,  mostly  entire,  channelled,  v\^oolly 
at  the  base  ;  spike  cylindrical,  scape  rolmd.     Sm* 

Found  on  salt  marshes  and  known  by  its  leaves,  which  are 
fleshy,  linear-subulate,  and  hollowed  out  on  their  inner  side. 
Spike  cylindrical,  of  short  or  moderate  length. — Flowers  in  July 
and  August. — Perennial. 

42.    CENTAURELLA. 
Centaurella  paniculata.  Mich.  Late  Centanrella. 

Stem  branching  above ;  branches  subdivided ; 
panicle  erect,  many  flowered ;  segments  of  the  co- 
rolla oval ;  style  much  shorter  than  the  germ.  Mick. 

'Syn.     BARfoNiA  paniculata.     Muhl. 

A  slender,  upright  plant,  found  in  meadows,  flowering  about 
August.  Stem  square,  often  twisted.  Leaves  opposite,  minute, 
subulate,  resembling  scales.  Flowers  small,  white,  on  the  ends 
of  the  branches,  which  are  erect  and  simple  or  compound. 

43.     MITCHELLA. 
Mvtouella  repejcs.  X.  Chequer  berry^ 

A  handsome  little  crereping  plant,  the  only  species  of  its  ge- 


Class  IV.     Order  I.  35 

Tius.  It  is  found  in  woods  about  the  roots  of  trees,  creeping  in 
the  decayed  leaves.  Stems  furnished  with  opposite,  round,  or 
heart  shaped,  smooth,  petioled  leaves,  about  the  size  of  the 
finger  nail.  Corollas  purplish  white,  funnel  form,  four  cleft, 
hairy  within,  bearing  the  stamens  in  their  sinuses.  The  most 
remarkable  circumstance  in  this  genus  is  that  two  calyxes  and 
corollas  stand  on  a  common  germ,  so  that  two  apparent  flowers 
produce  only  one  berry.  The  blossoms  are  exceedingly  fra- 
grant, iand  the  leaves  sometimes  variegated.— June,  July. — Per- 
ennial. 

44.     HOUSTONIA. 

HousTOTsriA  o^RULEA.  L.  Bluisli  Hotistonia, 

Root  leaves  ovate ;    stem  compoimd  ;  first  pe- 
duncles two  flowered,     L. 

Conmion  among  the  grass  in  moist  ground,  flowering  in 
May  and  afterward.  The  stems  are  slender,  repeatedly  forked, 
the  divisions  supporting  single  flowers.  The  root  leaves  are 
spatulate  or  oval,  tapering  into  footstalks;  those  of  the  stem 
opposite,  situated  at  the  forks  and  elsewhere,  lance-oval,  the 
upper  ones  sessile.  Flowers  not  larger  than  violets,  with  which 
they  groAV,  bluish  white,  yellow  at  the  centre,  consisting  of  a 
slender  tube  with  four  cross  shaped  spreading  segments. — Per- 
ennial. 

HousTONiA  LONGiFOLiA.   WUld.  Loug  Icdved  Houstonia. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  narrowed  at  eacli  end ;  flow- 
ers corymbed.     Willd. 

Found  in  dry  soils  at  Blue  hills  and  elsewhere,  not  common- 
ly exceeding  four  or  five  inches  in  height.  Stem  erect,  four 
sided,  branching  toward  the  top.  Leaves  opposite,  lanceolate, 
somewhat  obtuse.  Flowers  purplish,  in  a  terminal  corymb.-— 
June,  July. — Perennial. 


36  Class  IV.     Order  I. 

45.    GALIUM. 
Galium  asprellum.  Mich.  Pointed  Cleavers  or  Clivers. 

Stem  decumbent,  roiigli  backward ;  leaves  in 
sixes,  oval-lanceolate  with  a  flaccid  point ;  flowers 
on  very  short  pedicels  ;  fruit  smooth.  Mich.  ah\ 

Found  in  thickets  and  low  grounds.  Stem  weak,  support- 
ed by  plants  around  it,  like  many  others  of  the  genus ;  rough 
with  minute  reflexed  prickles,  as  are  also  the  ribs  and  margins 
of  the  leaves.  Leaves  in  whorls  of  six,  lanceolate,  with  a  slen- 
der, scarious,  curved  point.  Flowers  wliite.  Fruit  smooth, 
very  minute.— June,  July. — Perennial. 

Galium  tikctorium.  L.  Dyers  Cleavers. 

Leaves  linear,  those  of  the  stem  in  sixes,  of  the 
branches  in  fours ;  stem  flaccid ;  peduncles  two 
flowered  ;  fruit  smooth.     L. 

A  weak,  branching  plant,  rough  M'ith  reflexed  prickles. 
Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  obtuse,  whorled,  the  larger  ones  in 
sixes,  smaller  ones  in  fours.  Peduncles  very  small,  supporting 
minute  white  flowers,  wliich  are  succeeded  by  smooth  fruit.— 
Thickets  and  Ioav  ground. — June,  July.— Perennial. 

According  to  Kalm  the  roots  dye  a  permanent  red. 

Galium  verum.  L.  Fellow  Bedstraio. 

Leaves  eight  iii  a  whorl,  channelled,  entire, 
rough ;  flowers  in  dense  panicles ;  fruit  smooth, 
Sm. 

Grows  at  Roxbury  in  dry,  open  pastures.  Stem  upright, 
slender,  pubescent.  Leaves  linear,  rough,  Avith  the  edges 
rolled  back,  pointing  downward.  Branches  opposite,  uneqvial, 
leafy,  many  flowered.  Flowers  small,  yelloAV,  followed  by  mi- 
nute smooth  fruit. — June,  July. — Perdfihial. 


Class  IV.     Order  I.  37 

Galium  braohiatum.  Muhl.  Cross  Cleavers. 

Stems  erect,  smooth ;  leaves  in  foursj  oval,  cil- 
iate ;  peduncles  divaricate,  few  flowered ;  fruit 
bristly. 

St/n.     GALIUM  ciRcjEZJNS.  Mich. 

Found  in  woods.  Stem  upright,  smooth,  minutely  pubes- 
cent. Leaves  an  inch,  or  an  inch  and  an  half  long,  and  more 
than  half  as  bi'oad,  three  nerved,  hairy  at  the  margin  and  nerves. 
Branches  few,  near  the  top,  opposite,  few  flowered.  Peduncles 
nearly  simple,  bent  in  various  directions,  making  angles  at  ev- 
ery flower,  and  giving  off"  at  the  same  time  a  minute  leaf.  Fruit 
a  little  burr  with  its  short  footstalk  reflected. — June,  July. — 
Perennial. 

Galium  Aparine.  L,  Common  Cleavers. 

Leaves  in  eights,  lanceolate,  carinate,  rough, 
prickly  backwards  ;  stem  flaccid  ;  fruit  bristly. 
Sm. 

Stem  brittle,  weak,  much  branched,  prickly  backward,  lean- 
ing upon  other  plants  for  support.  Leaves  in  whorls  of  about 
eight  together,  lance-obovate,  their  margin  and  keel  rough 
backward.  "Flowers  numerous,  small,  white,  on  axillary  and 
terminal  peduncles.  Fruit  hispid. — In  moist  thickets. — May, 
June, — Annual. 

46.     CORNUS. 
CoRNUS  Canadensis.  L.  Dwarf  Cornel. 

Herl^ceous  ;  upper  leaves  in  whorls,  slightly 
petioled,  veined.     JVilld. 

A  handsome  plant  of  half  a  foot  in  height.     Root  creeping. 


38  Class  IV.     Order  I, 

Stem  simple,  ascending,  surmounted  at  top  with  a  single  whorl 
of  six  oval  leaves,  two  of  which  are  lower  and  larger.  The 
<umbel  of  flowers  is  surrounded  by  a  large  white  involucre  of 
four  leaves,  which  at  first  sight  is  taken  for  the  petals  of  a  sim- 
ple flower.  jThe  berries  or  drupes  are  globular  and  red.  A- 
mong  the  fertile  stems  are  found  a  multitude  of  barren  ones, 
supporting  whorls  of  four  leaves. — Woods,  Brooklyn,  Cam- 
bridge.— May,  June. — Perennial. 

CoRNus  Florida.  L.  DogiOood  tree. 

Arboreous  ;  involucre  very  large  with  inversely 
heart  shaped  leafets.     L. 

A  conspicuous  and  very  ornamental  t*ee,  covered  early  in 
June  with  a  profusion  of  large  white  flowers.  The  leaves  are 
oval,  acuminate,  pale  underneath.  Flowers  in  heads  surround- 
ed by  a  very  large,  nearly  white  involucre,  the  four  leaves  of 
which  have  their  points  inflexed  so  as  to  produce  the  appear- 
ance of  a  notch.  Fruit  oval,  red.  The  wood  is  hard  and  close 
grained,  but  the  trunk  docs  not  attain  a  sufficient  size  to  become 
of  great  use.  The  bark  is  bitter  and  tonic.  It  is  often  substi- 
tuted with  success  for  the  Peruvian  bark. — Found  in  the  woods' 
at  Quincy  and  some  other  places,  but  not  common. — May, 
June. 

CcRNUSALBA.  L.  White  berried  Cornel. 

Branches  recurved ;  leaves  broad,  ovate,  hoary 
underneath  ;  cymes  naked,  flat.     VHer. 

A  shrub  or  small  tree  with  spreading  branches,  and  ovate, 
acuminate  leaves,  whitish  underneath.  Cymes  without  involu- 
cres, as  are  the  subsequent  species.  Flowers  white,  succeed- 
ed by  white  fruit.  In  rich  ground  it  sometimes  bldlsoms  twice 
a  year.— iRoxbury,  Cambridge. 


Class  lY,     Order  I.  39 

CoRNus  ciRciNATA.  V  Her  it.  Round  leaved  Cornel. 

Branches     warty ;     leaves    orbicular,     wbite- 
clowuy  underneath  ;  cymes  naked,  flat.     VHer, 

Syn.     CoRNus  TOMEyfuLosj.  Mich. 

An  erect  slender  shrub,  distinguished  by  its  spotted  or  warty 
branches,  but  particularly  by  its  large,  rounded,  acuminate 
leaves,  which  are  white  and  downy,  almost  woolly,  underneath. 
Cymes  terminal,  flattened.  Fruit  bluish. — On  Brighton  road.— 
June  and  after.- 

CoRNUS  PA>ficuLATA.  VHevit.  Taiticled  Cornel. 

Branches  erect,  leaves  ovate,  hoary  underneath, 
cymes  panicled.     VHer. 

A'more  common  shrub  than  the  two  last,  sufficiently  distin- 
guishable by  its  smaller  leaves.  The  cymes  are  numerous  up- 
on the  branches,  more  or  less  oblong,  and  decidedly  panicled 
when  in  fruit.  The  berries  or  drupes  are  white,  as  in  Cornus 
alba.— Low  grounds.— June,  July. 

<  47.     POTHOS. 

PoTHOs  FOETiDA.  Midi.    *  SkwiJc  cabbas;?: 

Stemless  ;  leaves  oval,  concave ;  spadix  nearly 
globular.     Mich. 

Syn.    'DRAcouTiuyi  foei'idum.  L. 

A-  foetid,  repulsive  plant,  exceedingly  meritorious  of  the 
name  it  Ireaj-s.  The  flowers  which  appear  in  April  are  not  des- 
titute of  beauty,  or  at  least  of  singularity.  AH  that  at  this  time, 
appears  above  ground  is  the  hollow,  boat  shaped,  inflat- 
ed spathe,  handsomely  spotted  red  and  yellow,  with  its  acute 
top  recurved.  In  this  is  the  oval  spadix,  covered  with  perfect 
tetrandrous  flowers.  The  fruit  is  a  large  globular  fleshy  mass, 
formed  of  the  enlarged  spadix,  containing  many  large,  round 


40  Class  lY.     Order  U. 

seeds.      Dui'ing  summer  the  large  bunches  of  dark  green  , 
leaves  are  conspicuous  in  every  meadow,  swamp,  and  brook 
side. — Perennial. 

48.     ISNAPvDIA. 

IsNARDiA  PALusTRis.  L.  Isnarditt. 

A  weed  swimming  in  ditches  and  streams  of  water,  or  creep- 
ing on  wet  ground.  Leaves  opposite,  oval  or  ovate,  smooth. 
Flowers  small,  sessile  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  without  beauty. 
— June. — Annual. 

BIGYJ^M. 

49.    HAMAMELIS. 
Hamamelis  Virginica.  L.  Witch  hazel. 

The  variegated  appearance  of  the  American  forest  during 
the  months  of  autumn,  has  been  repeatedly  noticed  by  travel- 
lers. Among  the  crimson  and  yellow  hues  of  the  falling  leaves 
there  is  no  more  remarkable  object  than  the  Witch  hazel,  in 
the  moment  of  parting  with  its  foliage,  putting  forth  a  profusion 
of  gaudy,  yellow  blossoms,  and  giving  to  November  the  coun- 
terfeited appearance  of  spring.  It  is  a  bushy  tree,  sending  up  a 
number  of  oblique  trunks,  about  the  size  of  a  man's  arm  or  larger. 
The  leaves  are  oval  or  obovate,  loosely  waved  or  toothed  upon 
the  margin.  Flowers  in  axillary  bunches.  Petals  three  or 
four  times  as  long  as  the  calyx,  yellow  or  sti'aw  coloured,  rib- 
bon shaped,  spreading  and  reflexed.  Fruit  a  small  nut,  of  two 
cells,  terminating  in  two  horn-like  projections.— -Wet  woods.— < 
October,  November. 

The  wood  is  white,  its  fibres  fine  and  flexible.  The  twigs 
were  formerly  used  in  the  imposture  of  the  diving,  or  mineral 
rods,  supposed  to  indicate  the  existence  of  precious  ores. 


Class  TV.     Order  IV.  4i 

50.    ILEX. 
Ilex  opaca.    *9it.  Jinierican  Holly. 

Leaves  oval,  with  strong  spreading  spinous 
teeth;  fascicles  of  flowers  lax,  peduncles  com- 
pound ;  calyxes  rather  acute,  smooth ;  fruit  ovate. 
Mich, 

This  tree  is  more  interesting,  from  being  one  of  the  few 
evergreen  trees,  which  we  possess,  that  are  not  of  the  conifer- 
ous tribe.  Its  leaves  are  tough,  smooth,  and  shining,  furnished 
at  the  edge  with  short,  rigid,  acute  spines.  The  flowers  are 
numerous,  small,  of  a  greenish  white,  growing  in  bunches  around 
the  branches.  Berries  red,  falling  very  late.— Quincy,  Co- 
hasset. — June. 

51.    POTAMOGETON. 
PoTAMOGETON  NATANs.  L.  Floating  pond  Weed. 

Upper  leaves  oblong-ovate,  rounded  at  the  base, 
petioled,  floating.     Sm. 

A  very  common  species  of  pond  weed,  growing  near  the 
muddy  banks  of  deep  waters.  Leaves  oblong,  sometimes  a 
little  hearted  at  basCj  two  inches  long,  floating  on  the  surface, 
on  footstalks  accommodated  to  the  depth  of  the  water.  In  June 
the  spikes  of  dull  flowers  emerge  on  solitary  round  footstalks, 
surrounded  at  base  by  lanceolate  bractes  or  stipulae. 

6 


Class  V.     Order  I. 


Class  V.  PENT ANDRIA.    Five  stamens. 

W  Order  I.      MOJVOGYJYM.     One  style. 

A.     Floioers  inonopetalous.^  inferior,  ivithfour  naked  seeds. 

52.  EcHiuM.  Corolla  irregular,  bell  shaped 
with  the  throat  naked  ;  stigma  two  cleft. 

53.  Cynoglossum.  Corolla  funnel  form,  the 
throat  closed  with  arched  valves  ;  seeds  depressed, 
jBxed  laterally  to  the  style, 

54.  Myosotis.  Corolla  salver  shaped,  five 
cleft,  lobes  slightly  notched;  throat  closed  with 
concave  valves. 

B.     Flonvers  mojiojietalous,  inferior  ;    seeds  in  a  vessel. 

55.  Anagallts.  Corolla  wheel  shaped;  sta- 
mens hairy ;  capsule  opening  transversely. 

56.  Lysimachia.  Corolla  wheel  shaped ; 
stigma  obtuse  ;  capsule  one  celled,  ten  valved. 

57.  Menyanthes.  Corolla  hairy;  stigma 
cloven,  capsule  one  celled. 

58.  Convolvulus.  Corolla  campanulate, 
plaited ;  stigmas  two  ;  capsule  two  or  three  cell- 
ed ;  the  cells  two  seeded. 

59.  Datura.  Corolla  funnel  form,  plaited ; 
calyx  tubular,  deciduous ;  capsule  two  celled,  four 
valved. 

60.  Hyoscyamus.      Corolla  funnel  form,  ir- 


Class  Y.     Order  I.  43 

regular  ;  stamens  inclined ;   stigma  capitate ;  cap- 
sule two  celled,  covered  with  a  lid. 

61.  Verbascum.  Corolla  wheel  shaped; 
stamens  declined,  bearded ;  stigma  simple ;  cap- 
sule two  celled. 

62.  Azalea.  Corolla  bell,  or  funnel  form; 
stamens  inserted  in  the  receptacle  ;  stigma  obtuse  ; 
capsule  five  celled. 

63.  S0I4ANUM.  Corolla  wheel  shaped;  an- 
thers slightly  cohering,  opening  by  two  pores  at 
the  top ;  berry  two  celled. 

C.     /'''lowers  monopetalous,  si/fierior. 

64^.  Campanula.  Corolla  bell  shaped,  clos- 
ed at  the  bottom  by  valves  bearing  the  stamens : 
stigma  three  cleft ;  capsule  three  or  five  celled, 
opening  by  lateral  pores. 

65.  Lobelia.  Corolla  irregular,  cloven ;  an- 
thers united  ;  stigma  capitate  ;  capsule  two  or  three 
celled. 

66.  DiERviLLA.  Calyx  oblong,  five  cleft ; 
corolla  twice  as  long,  funnel  shaped,  five  cleft; 
capsule  oblong,  four  celled,  many  seeded. 

67.  Triosteum.  Corolla  monopetalous,  five 
lobed,  unequal ;  calyx  as  long  as  the  corolla  ;  ber- 
ry three  celled ;  cells  one  seeded. 

D.     Flo'-ivers ^fi-ue  ^letallcd^  inferior. 

68.  Ceanothus.    Calyx  tubular ;  petals  five^ 
vaulted ;  berry  dry,  three  seeded. 


4ij  Class  V.     Order  11. 

69.  Celastrus.  Calyx  flat;  corolla  five  pe- 
talled,  spreading ;  capsule  three  angled,  tlu*ee  cell- 
ed; seeds  covered  with  a  hood. 

70.  ViTis.  Petals  five,  shrivelled,  mostly  co-^ 
hering  at  top ;  style  none ;  berry  five  seeded. 

71.  Impatiens.  Calyx  two  leaved;  corolla 
irregular,  with  a  hooded,  spurred  nectary ;  anthers 
united  ;  capsule  superior,  five  valved,  elastic. 

72.  Viola.  Calyx  five  leaved ;  corolla  irreg- 
ular, spurred  ;  anthers  cohering  ;  capsule  one  cell- 
ed, three  valved. 

E.     Floiuers  incomplete^ 

73.  Thesium.  Calyx  five  cleft,  bearing  the 
stamens  ;  corolla  none ;  seed  one,  covered. 

Order  II.      DIGYJVM.     Two  styles, 

A.     Corolla  mono  fie  talous. 

74.  Afocynum.  Corolla  bell  shaped ;  five 
nectareous  filaments  alternating  with  the  stamens ; 
follicles  two. 

75.  Asclepias.  Corolla  reflected ;  nectaries 
five,  ovate,  concave,  with  a  little  horn  projecting 
from  each  ;  follicles  two. 

7^'  Gentiana.  Corolla  tubular  at  the  base, 
without  nectariferous  pores  ;  capsule  two  valved, 
one  celled,  many  seeded. 

77.  CuscuTA.  Calyx  four  or  five  cleft ;  cor- 
olla four  or  five  cleft ;  capsule  two  celled,  opening 
transversely  at  the  base. 


Class  Y,     Order  IL  4il 

B.     Flowers  incomjilete. 

78.  Salsola.  Calyx  five  parted  ;  corolla  none ; 
capsule  one  seeded ;  seed  spiral. 

79.  Chenopodium.  Calyx  five  parted,  five 
cornered ;  corolla  none  ;  seed  one,  lenticular,  in, 
vested  with  the  calyx. 

80.  Ulmus.  Calyx  five  cleft;  corolla  none; 
seed  one,  inclosed  in  a  flat  membranous  capsule. 

C.       Umbelliferous.      Flowers  Jive  fietalled^  superior.,    two 

seeded. 

81.  Hydrocotyle.  Umbel  simple ;  involucre 
four  leaved ;  petals  entire ;  fruit  orbicular,  com- 
pressed. 

8:3.  Sanicula.  Umbels  in  heads  ;  flovrers  of 
the  centre  abortive ;  seeds  muricate. 

83.  Heracleum.  Greneral  involucre  decid- 
uous ;  flowers  radiant ;  petals  notched,  with  the 
point  inflected  ;  fruit  elliptic,  notched,  compressed, 
striate,  ^\i\\\  a  dilated  margin. 

84.  CoNiuM.  Involucres  general .  and  partial, 
the  partial  half  wanting ;  petals  heart  shaped, 
equal ;  fruit  ovate,  gibbous,  five  ribbed  on  each  side. 

85.  Angelica.  Involucres  general  and  par- 
tial ;  petals  incurved  ;  styles  reflected ;  fruit  round- 
ish, solid,  with  three  wings  on  each  side. 

88.  SiuM.  Involucres  general  and  partial,  ma- 
ny leaved ;  petals  heart  shaped  ;  fruit  nearly  oval, 
compressed,  striate. 

87.  SisoN.     Involucres    about    four    leaved ; 


46  Class  V.     Order  V. 

umbel  of  few  rays ;  petals  inflected ;  fniit  ovate, 
striate. 

88.  C I  CUT  A.  Partial  involucres  without  the 
general;  petals  somewhat  flat;  fruit  subovate; 
grooved. 

Order  III.       TRIGYJ^M.     Three  styles. 

89.  Viburnum.  Calyx  five  parted,  superior; 
corolla  five  cleft ;  berry  one  seeded. 

90.  Sambucus.  Calyx  five  parted,  superior ; 
corolla  five  cleft ;  berry  three  seeded. 

91.  Rhus.  Calyx  five  parted,  inferior ;  corolla 
five  petalled ;  berry  one  seeded. 

93.  Sarothra.  Calyx  five  parted;  corolla 
five  petalled  ;  capsule  one  celled,  three  valved. 

Order  V.       PEA''TAG1.N'M,     Five  styks. 

93.  Aralia.  Flowers  umbelled,  with  invo- 
lucres ;  calyx  five  toothed,  superior ;  corolla  five 
petalled  ;  berry  five  seeded. 

94.  Drosera.  Calyx  five  parted,  corolla  five 
petalled,  inferior  ;  capsule  one  celled,  three  or  five 
valved,  opening  at  top  ;  seeds  many. 

95.  Statice.  Calyx  one  leafed,  entire,  plait- 
ed ;  petals  five ;  seed  one,  invested  by  the  calyx. 


Class  V.     Order  I.  47 


PENTANDRIA. 

MOJVOGIWIJl. 

52.    ECHIUM. 
EcHiuM  vwLGARE.  L.  Vipevs  Bugloss. 

Stem  bristly  and  tuberculated ;  stem  leaves 
lanceolate  and  rough  with  stiff  hair« ;  flowers  in 
lateral  spikes.     Sm. 

Stem  erect,  round,  covered  with  firm  bristles  standing  on 
little  protuberances.  Leaves  rough,  covered  with  the  same 
kind  of  bristles.  Spikes  of  flowers  axillary,  recurved,  grad- 
ually straightening,  bearing  a  row  of  ci'owded  purplish  ftewers. 
— Road  side. — Roxbury. — June,  July. — Biennial, 

53.    MYOSOTIS. 
Myosotis  scorpioides.  L.  Mouse  ear  Scorpion  grass: 

Seeds  smooth ;  leaves  elliptic  lanceolate ;  ra- 
cemes without  bractes,  many  flowered.     Sm. 

I  have  only  met  with  the  aquatic  variety  of  this  plant.  It  is 
found  about  the  edges  of  ditches  and  streams.  Stem  rooting 
at  base,  ascending,  mostly  smooth.  Leaves  scattered,  broad 
lanceolate,  sessile,  commonly  smooth.  Racemes  terminal, 
rolled  back  at  the  end.  Flowers  pointing  one  way,  small,  rose 
eoloured. — From  June  to  October. — Perennial, 

54.     CYNOGLOSSUM. 
Cynoglossum  officinale.  L.  Common  Hounds  tonguet 

Stamens  shorter  than  the  corolla ;  leaves  broad 
lanceolate^  downy,  sessile.     L. 


48  Class  V.     Order  I. 

An  erect,  downy  plant,  exhaling  an  unpleasant  odour.  Stem 
about  two  feet  high,  round,  hairy.  Leaves  covered  on  botli 
sides  with  a  grayish  down,  lanceolate,  entire,  somewhat  waved, 
the  lower  ones  petioled,  upper  ones  sessile,  clasping,  inclining 
to  an  oblong  heart  shape.  Flowers  in  several  racemes,  which 
are  recurved  at  the  end.  Calyx  downy.  Corolla  dull  purple. 
Seeds  furnished  with  small  hooks  serving  for  their  dispersion. 
—Road  side. — Charlestown. — June. — Biennial. 

55.    ANAGALLIS. 
Anag-allis  arvensis.  L.  Scarlet  FimperneL 

Leaves  ovate,   dotted  beneath  j    stem   procum- 
bent.    Sm. 

An  humble  but  very  delicate  flower.  Stem  square,  pro- 
cumbent. Leaves  ovate,  covered  on  the  under  side  Avith  pur- 
ple dots.  Flowers  on  axillary  footstalks,  bright  scarlet.  Cap- 
sule spherical,  bursting  crosswise,  a  character  at  any  time  as- 
certained by  pressing  it.  In  England  it  has  received  the  name 
of  "Poor  man's  weather  glass,"  from  the  circumstance  that  the 
flowers  close  in  bad  weather,  being  very  sensible  to  changes  of 
the  air.— Common  at  South  Boston.— June  and  after.-— Annual. 

56.    LYSIMACHIA. 
Lysimachia  ciliata.  L.  Heart  leaved  Loosestrife. 

Leaves   opposite,  heart-oval,   petioles   ciliated, 
flowers  chiefly  in  pairs,  drooping. 

This  Lysimachia  is  distinguishable  from  the  subsequent 
species  by  its  broader  leaves  obtuse  at  base,  and  its  larger  flow- 
ers. Rises  from  one  to  two  feet  in  height,  giv^s  off  opposite, 
oblong,  pointed  leaves  somewhat  heart  shaped  at  base.  Leaf 
stalks  fringed  with  hairs.  Flowers  usually  in  pairs,  yellow,  as 
are  all  the  following  species,  on  simple  axillary  peduncles^ 
drooping  ;  petals  crenate,  acuminate.— Grows  on  Lynn  beach 
island. — June  July. — Perennial. 


Class  V.     Order  I.  49 

Lysimaohia  hybrida.  Mich.  Hybrid  loosestrife. 

Leaves  opposite,  petioled,  lanceolate,  acute  at 
base  3  flowers  drooping. 

A  more  common  species  than  the  last,  which  it  resembles. 
Stem  erect,  with  opposite  branches.  Leaves  of  the  stem  long, 
reflexed,  narrow,  tapering  at  both  ends,  on  long  footstalks. 
Flowers  on  the  ends  of  the  branches,  drooping  ;  petals  crenate. 
— Gi'o  ws  among  the  grass  in  wet  meadows,  flowering  in  July. 

Lysimaohia  quadrifolia.  L.  Four  leaved  loosestrife. 

Leaves  in  fours,  nearly  sessile,  peduncles  in 
fours,  one  flowered.     L. 

A  plant  of  singular  regularity,  having  its  long  simple  stem 
surrounded  by  whorls  of  four  oval-lanceolate  leaves,  with  the 
same  number  of  flowers  on  capillary  footstalks  in  their  axils. 
Sometimes  the  number  of  flowers  and  leaves  in  a  whorl  varies 
to  three  or  five. — Every  where  in  low  ground- — June. 

Lysimaohia  thyhsiflora.  Mich.  Tufted  loosestrife. 

Racemes  lateral,  pedunculated. 

Stem  simple,  round.  Leaves  sessile,  opposite,  lanceolate, 
acute.  Flowers  small,  in  short  rounded  racemes,  supported  on 
peduncles  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves. — Meadows. — June,  Ju- 
ly.— Perennial. 

Lysimaohia  stricta.     Ait.  Upright  loosestrife. 

Racemes  terminal ;  petals  lanceolate,  spreading^ 
leaves  lanceolate,  sessile.     Ait. 

Syn.     LrsiMACHiA  racemosa.     Lam.     Mich. 
LrsiMACHiA   BULBIFERA.      Curtis. 

A  very  elegant  species,  its  long,  upright  raceme  appearing 
like  a  hollow  cylinder  of  flowers.     Stem  erect,  smooth.     Leaves 

7 


50  Class  V.     Order  I. 

glabrous,  clotted,  acute.  Raceme  often  half  a  foot  in  length/ 
Flowers  on  horizontal,  capillary  footstalks,  an  inch  in  length. — 
Mr.  Curtis  has  observed,  that  this  species  produces  stem  bulbs 
in  the  axils  of  the  leaves. — Low  grounds. — July. — Pereftnial. 

57.     MENYANTHES. 

Menyanthes  trifoliata.  L.  Buck  bean. 

Leaves  ternate.     L. 

Leaves  inversely  ovate,  slightly  toothed  or  repand  on  the 
margin,  three  on  a  petiole.  Flower  stalk  round,  erect,  bearing 
a  pyramidal  cluster  or  thyrse  of  elegant  reddish  white  flowers. 
Corolla  of  five  reflexed  segments,  very  hairy  on  the  inner  side. 
— Grows  in  a  small  pond  near  Charles  river,  upper  part  of  Cam- 
bridge.— May. — Perennial. — A  bitter  plant  of  some  medicinal 
reputation.  • 

58.    CONVOLVULUS. 

CoNvoLvoLUs  sEPiuM.  L.  Large  bindweed. 

Leaves  arrow  shaped  with  the  posterior  lobes 
truncated ;  peduncles  square,  one  flowered  ;  brac- 
tes  heart  shaped,  close  to  the  flower.     Sm. 

The  American  variety  of  Convolvulus  sepium  is  one  of  the 
finest  of  the  genus.  It  climbs  about  fences  and  bushes  in  low 
ground,  its  large  red  and  white  blossoms  expanding  in  June 
and  July.  Stem  twining,  a  little  angular,  smooth.  Leaves 
large,  arrow  shaped,  the  hinder  lobes  cut  off,  particularly  in 
the  upper  leaves.  Flower  stalks  square,  axillary,  bearing  a 
pair  of  heart  shaped  bractes  so  close  to  the  flower  as  to  appear 
like  its  calyx. — Perennial. 

Convolvulus  arvensis.  L.  Small  bindweed. 

Leaves  arrow  shaped,  the  lobes  acute ;  flowers 
generally  solitary  ;  bractes  minute,  remote  from  the 
flower.  Sm. 


Class  V.     Order  I.  51 

Not  more  than  half  tlie  size  of  the  last.  Stems  numerous, 
twining.  Leaves  arrow  or  halbcrt  shaped,  with  acute  lobes- 
Peduncles  angular,  with  a  pair  of  very  small  acute  bractes  about: 
their  middle.     Flowers  nearly  white. — Dorchester. — June. 

59.     DATURA. 
Datura  stramonium.  L.  Thorn  Apple  or  Apple  Peru. 

Fruit    spinous,    ovate,    erect ;     leaves    ovate, 
smooth.     L. 

Stem  erect,  green,  often  solid,  repeatedly  forked,  with 
spreading  branches.  Leaves  from  the  forks  of  the  stem,  ovate, 
or  heart  shaped  if  they  are  spread  out,  smooth,  sixsuated  or  loose- 
ly toothed  with  large  unequal  teeth,  unequal  at  base.  Flowers 
axillary,  on  short  stalks,  upright,  white.  Fruit  of  the  size  of  a 
small  hen's  e^g^  covered  with  thorns. — Among  rubbish. — Au- 
gust, September.— Annual. 

A  variety  much  more  common  than  the  last,  and  consider- 
ably larger  in  size,  has  a  uniformly  hollow  stem,  purple,  cover- 
ed with  light  dots  ;  the  flowers  light  purple  or  blue,  striped  on 
the  inside.  It  answers  in  every  respect  to  the  description  of 
Datura  tatula,  as  laid  down  in  botanical  books.  I  incline  to  thmk 
the  two  species  should  be  incorporated  into  one,  if  there  are  no 
better  discriminating  marks  than  those  usually  laid  down.  The 
dots  in  the  purple  cuticle  of  the  American  plant  do  not  appear 
to  result  from  warts,  or  any  inequalities  in  its  structure,  but 
simply  from  variation  of  colour.  The  sensible  qualities  of 
the  two  varieties  are  the  same. 

It  must  be  remarked  however,  that  both  the  plants  here  de- 
scribed differ  from  the  representations  in  the  English  Botany, 
and  in  Woodville's  Medical  Botany  ;  1  st  in  the  form  of  the  an- 
thers, which  are  very  oblong,  four  times  longer  than  broad  ;  2d 
in  the  stigma,  the  sides  of  which  are  parallel ;  3d  in  the  dissepi- 
ment of  the  capsule  which  is  thin,  about  one  quarter  the  thick-* 
ness  of  the  valves. 


52  Class  Y,     Order  I. 

The  poisonous  properties  of  this  plant,  as  well  as  its  applica- 
tion to  medicine,  are  well  known.  As  a  remedy  in  asthma  it  has 
recently  acquired  great  reputation. 

60.    HYOSCYAMUS. 
Hyoscyamus  NIGER.  L.  Henbane. 

Leaves  sinuated,  embracing  the  stem ;  jftowers 
sessile.    L, 

Of  the  natural  order  of  luridae  like  the  last,  equally  poison- 
ous, and  of  no  less  utility  in  medicine.  It  is  a  bushy,  hairy,  glu- 
tinous, foetid  plant.  Leaves  alternate,  without  footstalks,  with 
acute  teeth  or  rather  lobes ;  those  of  the  root  large  and  spread- 
ing, often  turning  to  one  side.  Corolla  of  a  light  greenish  yel- 
low, reticulated  with  purple  veins.  Capsule  round,  two  celled, 
covered  with  a  lid,  and  croAvned  with  the  permanent,  five  parted 
calyx.  Seeds  numerous,  small. — In  waste  grounds. — JunCj 
July. — Biennial. 

61.    VERBASCUM. 

Verbascum  Thapsus.  L.  Common  Mullein. 

Leaves  decurrent,  woolly  on  both  sides ; .  stem 
simple.     L. 

Every  body  knows  this  tall,  woolly,  and  very  common  plant. 
Stem  erect,  straight,  wooUy,  winged  by  the  decumbent  base  of 
the  leaves.  Leaves  exceedingly  woolly  on  both  sides,  ovate- 
lanceolate,  sessile,  slightly  serrate  or  waved  on  the  margin. 
The  stem  terminates  in  a  long,  thick,  cylindrical  spike,  with 
handsome  five  parted  yellow  flowers. — Dry  pastures. — July, 
August. — Biennial. 

62.     AZALEA. 

Azalea  viscosa.  L.  Wild  honeysuckle^  Swamp  pink. 

Leaves  with  a  rough  margin ;  corollas  viscid, 
hairy.  X. 


Class  V.     Order  I.  53 

A  fine  flowering  shrub,  very  common  among  the  brushwood 
in  low  land.  The  small  branches  and  peduncles  are  commonly 
more  or  less  bristly.  Leaves  crowded,  lanceolate -ovate,  slightly 
toothed,  hairy  on  the  midrib  and  margin.  Flowers  in  terminal, 
umbel-like  corymbs.  Corollas  funnel  shaped,  varying  in  col- 
our, but  commonly  white,  hairy  and  glutinous  on  the  outside — 
June,  July. 

Several  varieties  occur  in  the  colour  of  the  leaves,  parts  of 
the  flower  and  small  branches. 

63.     SOLANUM. 
SoLANUM  DULCAMARA.  L.       Bitter  sweet,  Woody  nightshade. 

Stem  shrubby,  flexuous,  without  thorns  ;  upper 

leaves  hastate  ;  clusters  cymose.     Sm. 

»      ■  • 

Stem  woody,  climbing  upon  fences  and  bushes.  Loav- 
er  leaves  heart  shaped,  entire  ;  upper  ones  ovate,  furnished  with 
two  ears  at  the  base  giving  them  a  hastate  form.  Clusters  on 
the  sides  and  ends  of  the  stem,  on  branching  and  spreading 
stalks,  droopmg.  Flowers  with  five  acute,  spreading  or  reflex- 
ed,  purple  segments.  Anthers  forming  a  yellow  tube  project- 
ing from  the  flower.  Bei'ries  oval,  bright  red.  This  plant  is 
common  in  low  grounds,  by  the  side  of  brooks.  Sec.  As  a  me- 
dicuial  article  it  holds  a  place  in  most  dispensatories. — July. 

SoLANUM  NIGRUM.  L.  Bluck  nightshade. 

Stem  herbaceous,  without  thorns.  Leaves 
ovate,  bluntly  toothed  and  waved.  Umbels  lateral, 
drooping.     Sm. 

Much  more  ordinary  in  its  appearance  than  the  last.  Stem 
erect  branching,  angular  and  sometimes  winged.  Leaves  ovate 
alternate.  The  umbels  come  out 'from  the  sides  of  the  stem, 
remote  from  the  leaves.  They  consist  of  drooping  white  flow- 
epSj  with  yellow  anthers.     Berries  round,  black.     This  variety 


54f  Class  V.     Order  I. 

was  probably  imported  from  Europe.     It  grows  among  rubbish, 
and  has  the  aspect  and  reputation  of  a  poisonous  plant. 

64.    CAMPANULA. 
Campanula  perfoliata.  L.  Clasping  Bell  flower. 

Stem  simple ;     leaves  heart  shaped,  toothed, 
clasping  ;  flowers  sessile,  aggregate.     L. 

Syn.     Campanula  amplexicaulis.     Mich. 

Found  by  the  road  side  in  Medford  and  elsewhere.  Stem 
erect,  leafy,  angular,  slightly  pubescent.  Leaves  small,  alter- 
nate, reniform-heart  shaped,  tooth-crenate,  clasping  the  stem= 
Flowers  axillary,  sessile.  Segments  of  the  calyx  lanceolate, 
very  acute,  with  a  distinct  middle  rib.  Corolla  blue,  spread- 
ing.— June. — Annual, 

Campanula  erinoides.  L.  Slender  Bell  flower. 

Stem  triangular,  the  angles  rough  backward, 
leaves  linear-lanceolate  ;  flowers  terminal.  * 

Syji.     Campanula  flexuosa,     Mich. 

Found  in  meadows  among  the  high  grass,  supporting  itself 
like  a  Galium  on  surrounding  plants.  Stem  from  eight  to  twen- 
ty inches  in  height,  very  slender  and  flexible,  uniformly  trian- 
gular, the  angles  rough  with  minute  reflexed  prickles.  Leaves 
given  off  successively  from  tlie  three  sides,  linear,  sessile,  near- 
ly entire,  the  midrib  and  margin  rough  backward.  A  variety 
occurs  with  lanceolate  leaves  with  a  few  minute  teeth.  Bran- 
ches few,  near  the  top,  axillary,  leafy,  one  or  two  flowered. 
Flowers  small,  terminal.  Corolla  very  small,  twice  or  thrice  the 
length  of  the  calyx,  deeply  five  cleft,  white  with  pale  blue  veins. 
Filaments  valve  like,  hairy.  •  Stigma  trifid.  Capsule  globular, 
three  celled. — Found  at  Medford  and  Brighton.  Variety  2d  at 
Sudbury. — June,  July. 


Class  V.     Order  I.  55 

65.    LOBELIA. 

Lobelia  cardinalis.  L.  Cardinal  flower. 

Stem   erect,  leaves    broad-lanceolate,   serrate; 
spike  terminal,  pointing  one  way.     L. 

This  superb  plant,  cultivated  and  much  prized  in  Europe, 
is  a  native  of  our  meadows  and  brooksides.  It  rises  to  the 
height  of  two  feet  and  upward,  with  a  simple,  erect,  leafy  stem. 
Leaves  alternate,  ovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  and  serrate.  Ra- 
ceme terminating  the  stem,  consisting  of  large  flowers,  more  or 
less  inclining  to  one  side,  of  a  bright  scarlet  colour.  Corolla 
with  a  long  tube  ending  in  five  spreading  segments,  the  three 
lower  ones  widest.  Tube  of  stamens  curved  in  at  the  top. — 
June,  July. — Perennial. 

Lobelia  pallida.    Muhl.  Pale  Lobelia. 

Somewhat  hairy ;    stem  erect,   simple ;  leaves 
oblong- spatulate,  dentate  ;  flowers  spiked. 

Syn.     Lobelia  spicaTa.     Lam. 

Stem  upright,  smooth,  or  a  little  hairy.  Leaves  spatulate,  ob- 
tuse at  the  end,  tapering  at  base,  slightly  toothed  or  crenate, 
pubescent  at  the  edge  and  under  side,  sessile.  Flowers  in  a 
long  terminal  spike,  on  short  peduncles,  blue. — Moist  pastures 
and  road  sides. — July. — Perennial. 

Lobelia  inflata.  L.  . ;  Indian  tobacco. 

Stem  erect ;  leaves  ovate,  slightly  serrate,  lon- 
ger than  the  peduncles  ;  capsules  inflated.     L. 

Readily  distinguished  by  its  swelling,  bladder-like  pods,  and 
its  very  subtle,  acrimonious  taste,  not  unlike  that  of  green  to- 
bacco. Stem  angular,  hairy,  branching  at  top,  from  one  to  two 
feet  high.  Leaves  scattered  or  alternate,  oval,  nearly  sessile, 
crenate  or  serrate  on  the  edge.  Stem  and  branches  terminat- 
ing in  spikes  of  small  blue  flowers  on  short  footstalks.     Calyx 


36  Class  V.     Order  1. 

teeth  subulate,  as  long  as  the  corolla.     Capsules  oval,  turgid.— 
Cambridge. — August. — Biennial. 

The  plant  operates  violently  as  an  emetic,  and  has  been  used 
.  •with  advantage  in  asthma  and  some  similar  affections. 

Lobelia  DoRTMANNA.  L.  Water  Lobelia 

Leaves  linear,  two  celled,  entire ;  stem  nearly 
naked.  L. 

A  very  singular  aquatic  plant.  The  leaves  grow  in  a  sin- 
gle tuft  at  the  bottom  of  the  water.  They  are  from  one  to  three 
inches  long,  recurved,  blunt,  and  of  a  fleshy  appearance.  On 
cutting  them  across,  they  are  found  to  consist  of  two  empty  par- 
allel tubes.  The  stem  rises  out  of  water,  bearing  a  few  remote 
pendulous  flowers  of  a  pale  blue  colour.  The  whole  plant  gives 
out  a  milky  juice  on  being  broken. — Found  in  Fi-esh  pond. — July. 

66.     DIERVILLA. 

DiERViLLA  Canadensis.  Miihl.  ' Yellow liiervilla. 

K/acemes  terminal ;  leaves  serrate.  L,  sub.  syn, 

Syn.     LojfiCESA  Diervilla.  L. 

This  shrub  with  us  is  usually  of  small  size.  Leaves  oppo- 
site, on  short  petioles,  ovate,  smooth,  serrate,  acuminate.  Flow- 
ers of  a  pale  yellow  ;  small,  funnel  shaped,  with  five  roundish, 
unequal  segments.  They  grow  in  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves. 
— Woods,  Cambridge,  Brooklyn.— June. 

67.     TRIOSTEUM. 

Triosteum  perfoliatum.  L.  Feverwort. 

Leaves  connate.;  flowers  sessile,  whorled.   Vahl. 

Slf7t.       TRIOSfEUM  MAJUS.      Mich. 

Not  very  common.  I  have  only  met  with  it  in  the  upper 
part  of  Cambi'idge,  and  in  Watertown.  Stems  from  two  to 
three  feet  high.     Leaves  large,  oval,  acuminate,  suddenly  nar- 


Class  V.     Order  I.  97 

rowed  into  a  long,  slender  base,  in  pairs  more  or  less  connate. 
Flowers  several  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  sessile,  appearing 
whorled.  Corolla  of  a  dull  purple,  tubular,  somewhat  curved. 
Berry  round,  yellow,  crowned  with  the  long  spreading  segments 
of  the  calyx,  containing  three  hard  seeds.  Flowers  in  June.— 
Perennial. — -It  possesses  medicinal  qualities. 

68.  CEANOTHUS. 

Ceanothus  Americanus.  L.  Jersey  tea. 

Leaves  heart-ovate,  acuminate,  triply  nerved; 
panicles  axillary,  elongated.     Willd. 

A  small  white  flowering  shrub^notunfrequentin  dry  or  sandy- 
soils.  Leaves  two  or  three  inches  long,  and  one  broad,  finely 
serrate  and  tapering  into  a  long  point.  From  the  axils  of  the 
upper  leaves  come  out  leafless  branches  bearing  crowded 
bunches  of  minute  white  flowers.  These  are  followed  by  dry, 
three  seeded  and  somewhat  triangular  berries.  The  leaves 
were  used,  among  other  substitutes,  for  tea,  during  the  Ameri- 
can revolution.— Flowers  in  June. 

69.  CELASTRUS. 

Celastrus  scANDENs.  X.       Climbing  stoff  tree.    Waxwork. 

Unarmed ;  leaves  oblong,  acuminate,  serrate ; 
racemes  terminal :  stem  twining.     Willd. 

A  strong  woody  vine,  twining  round  small  trees  and  climb- 
ing to  a  great  height.  Flowers  of  a  greenish  white,  in  small 
racemes  on  the  ends  of  the  young  slioots.  The  fruit  is  a  ber- 
ried capsule.  When  ripe,  the  three  valves  turn  backward  dis- 
closing a  bright  scarlet  berry.  The  valves  are  of  a  light  red 
colour,  partitioned  in  the  middle  and  finally  waved  on  the  edge. 
—•About  fences  and  thickets. — June. 

8 


58  Class  V.     Order  I. 

70.     VITIS. 
ViTis  Labrusc^v.  Common  wild  grape  vine. 

Leaves  heart   shaped,   somewhat  three  lobed, 
dentate,  downy  underneath*     Willd. 

This  vine  is  dioecious,  a  fact  which  Michaux  affirms  of  all 
the  species  observed  by  him  in  America.*  The  leaves  are  ve- 
ry broad  and  white  underneath.  Clusters  of  flowers  small,  op- 
posite to  leaves,  as  are  also  the  tendrils.  Fruit  large,  purple 
and  pleasantly  flavoured.  Found  in  woods  in  low  ground.— 
June. 

ViTis  HEDERACEA.   Willd.  Commou  creeper. 

Leaves    quinate,    ovate,    acuminate,    dentate. 
WUld. 

Syn.     Hedera  quinquefolia,    L. 

Vitis  Q^uiNQUEFOLiA.     Latn.  iJf  Sm.. 
Ampelopsis  quinouefolia.     Mich. 

The  common  creeper  is  much  cultivated  as  an  ornament  of 
walls.  The  stems  climb  to  a  great  height,  suj^ported  by  radi- 
cating tendrils.  Leaves  in  fives,  petioled,  smooth.  Flowers  in 
branched  clusters ;  petals  green,  not  united  at  their  summit. 
Berries  of  the  size  of  peas. — Found  growing  wild  in  woods  and 
about  fences. — June. 

71.    IMPATIENS. 
Imp ATiENs  NOLI  TAM GERE.  Micli.  /3.  Touchmenot. 

Flower  stalks  solitary,  many  flowered ;  leaves 
ovate  ;  joints  of  the  stem  swelling.  L, 

Syn.      iMPAtlENS    MACULATA.      Muhl. 

Found  about  brooks  and  in  moist  shades,  flowering  from  June 

k  * 

•  Excepting  those  placed  in  his  genus  .Rmpelopsis. 


Class  V.     Order  I.  59 

to  September.  The  flowers  are  of  a  tawny  yellow,  spotted  on 
the  inside,  and  resembling  small  cups  or  pitchers,  hanging  on 
slender  footstalks.  Nectary  horn  shaped;  petals  spreading, 
the  two  lower  ones  large.  The  capsule  when  ripe  bursts  and 
scatters  its  seeds  by  an  elastic  power  like  the  common  balsa- 
mine  of  the  gardens,  another  of  the  genus.  Height  of  the  plant 
about  two  feet ;  stems  succulent,  smooth  ;  leaves  ovate,  tooth- 
ed.— Annual. 

72.     VIOLA. 

Viola  blanda.  Willd-  Sweet  scented  white  violet. 

Stemless ;  leaves  heart  shaped,  obtuse,  rather 
flat,  glabrous  ;  petals  beardless. 

Leaves  round-heart  shaped,  crenate  ;  petioles  twice  or  thrice 
the  length  of  the  leaves,  half  round,  channelled,  smooth. 
Flowers  white  with  purple  veins  at  bottom,  fragrant.  The  two 
lateral  petals  are  slightly  bearded  on  the  inside  below  the  mid- 
dle.— Moist  land.— April,  May. — Perennial. 

Viola  lanceolata.  X,  Spear  leaved  violet. 

Stemless ;  leaves  lanceolate,  crenate.  L, 

Root  fibrous,  sending  out  scions ;  leaves  lanceolate,  rather 
obtuse,  on  long  petioles ;  flowers  white  with  purple  veins  at 
bottom. — Wet  ground. — May,  June. — Perennial.— A  consider- 
able variety  occurs  in  the  width  of  the  leaves,  which  are  some- 
times nearly  ovate. 

Viola  frimulifolia.  Z.  Spade  leaved  violet. 

Stemless  ;  leaves  oblon§-heart  shaped ;  petioles 
membranaceous.  L. 

Leaves  oblong,  ovate  or  heart  shaped,  crenate,  their  base 
extending  down  the  leaf  stalk,  which  becomes  winged.  We 
have  two  violets  which  answer  the  above  description.  One 
with  white  flowers  and  smoother  leaves  ;  the  other  with  W"e 


60  Class  V.     Order  I. 

flowers  and  hairy  leaves.  The  last  is  by  far  the  most  common, 
being  very  abundant  on  dry  hills  and  pastures.  Its  flowers  re- 
s^emble  those  of  the  next  species. — May. — Perennial. 

Viola  cucullata.    Jlit.  Hollow  leaved  violet, 

Stemless  ;  leaves  heart  shaped,  rather  acute, 
smooth,  hooded  at  base  ;  flowers  inverted ;  petals 
bent  obliquely,     tlit. 

Leaves  heart  shaped,  crenate  or  serrate,  the  younger  ones 
rolled  in  at  the  base,  the  older  ones  expanded.  Petioles  twice 
the  length  of  the  leaves.  Flowers  blue. — Meadows  and  low 
grounds. — May. — Perennial. 

VjoLA  SAGITTATA.     Jlit.  Jlrvow  Uuved  violet.. 

Stemless ;  leaves  oblong-acute,  heart-arrow 
shaped,  serrate,  cut  at  the  base,  flowers  inverted. 

Ait. 

Leaves  oblong,  frequently  obtuse,  serrate,  the  lower  serra? 
tures  large  and  divergent,  giving  the  leaf  a  sagittate  appear- 
ance. Flowers  blue,  more  hairy  inside  than  the  last,  inverted 
when  young,  erect  afterward. — Meadows.— May. 

When  the  plant  grows  in  a  dry  and  rich  soil,  the  leaves  be- 
come hairy,  and  acquire  a  hastate  form  from  the  enlargement  of 
the  lower  serratures  or  segments. 

Viola  pedata.  L.  Pedate  violet. 

Stemless  ;  leaves  pedate,  seven  parted.    L. 

Rather  larger  than  the  preceding  species.  Root  fleshy, 
abrupt.  Leaves  perfectly  pedate,  consisting  of  from  five  to 
nine  segm'ents  which  are  wedge-form  or  lanceolate,  and  mostly 
toothed  at  the  end ;  the  middle  one  distinct,  the  lateral  ones 
connected.  Flowers  large,  pale  blue,  erect. — Hills  and  sandy 
fields. — Mav,  June. — Perennial. 


Class  V.     Order  IL  6i 

Viola  pubescens.  Jlit.  Yellow  violet. 

Stem  erect,  villous ;  leaves  heart-shaped,  pubes- 
cent ;  stipules  ol)longj  serrulate  at  tip.  Ait,  ahr, 

Syn.     Viola  Pehsstlvanica.  Mich. 

Stem  simple,  pubescent.  Leaves  alternate,  broad-heart 
shaped,  crenate,  tapering  to  a  point,  twice  as  long  as  their  pe- 
tioles. Flowers  solitary,  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  yellow, 
veined. — May,  June. — Perennial. 

73.     THESIUM. 

Thesium  umbellatum.  L.  Umbelled  Thesium. 

Flowers  umbelled,  leaves  oblong.  X.. 

l$yn.     Thesium  cortmbulosum.     Mich. 

Stem  round,  slender,  seldom  exceeding  a  foot  in  height. 
Leaves  oval -lanceolate,  mostly  entire,  alternate,  smooth.  Branch- 
es near  the  top,  fcAv,  alternate.  Umbels  of  fcAv  flowers,  termi- 
nal, with  an  involucre  of  about  four  leafets.  Flowers  on  short 
peduncles.  Calyx  five  cleft,  the  tube  green,  segments  white., 
Stamens  inserted  on  the  calyx.  Seed  one. — Dry  woods. — ' 
June. 

DIGFJVM. 

74.    APOCYNUM. 
Apocynum  ANDRos^MiFOLiuM.  L.  Dog''s  hanc 

Stem  straightish,  herbaceous ;  leaves  ovate, 
smooth  on  both  sides  ;  cymes  terminal.     Mill. 

A  handsome,  smooth,  branching  plant.  Stem  two  feet 
•high,  smooth,  dark,  with  spreading  branches.  Leaves  oppo- 
site, ovate,  acute,  entire.  Flowers  on  the  ends  of  the  branches, 
of  a  pink  or  pui'plish  white,  bell  shaped,  their  segments  revo- 
lute.  The  plant  abounds  with  milky  juice.  Its  root  is  emetic, 
and  hence  is  often  denominated  ipecac,  a  name  vulgarly  applied 


6S  Class  V.     Order  II. 

to  a  great  number  of  plants.     The  flowers  have  the  property 
of  catching  flies.    Common  about  thickets. — July. 

75.     ASCLEPIAS.  * 

AscLEPiAs  Striaca.  L.        Common  Silk  weed  or  Milk  weed. 

Stem  simple ;  leaves  lance -oblong,  gradually 
acute,  downy  underneath ;  umbels  somewhat  nod- 
ding.    Mich. 

Very  common  by  road  sides  and  borders  of  fields.  Stem 
three  or  four  feet  high,  undivided.  Leaves  opposite,  large,  ob- 
long. Umbels  of  flowers  lateral  and  terminal,  nodding.  The 
pods  or  follicles  contain  large  quantities  of  a  fine  silken  down 
attached  to  the  seeds,  for  which  the  plant  has  been  cultivated  in 
Europe  and  America.  It  is  used  as  a  substitute  for  feathers, 
fur,  cotton,  Sec. — July. — Perennial. 

AscLKPiAs  OBTusiFOLiA.     MicJu  Bluut  leuved  silk  weed. 

Leaves  closely  sessile,  oblong,  obtuse,  waved ; 
,umbel  terminal,  on  a  long  peduncle;  corollas 
smooth,     Mich.  abr. 

Leaves  opposite,  ovate,  heart  shaped  at  base,  sessile,  appar- 
ently clasping,  very  much  waved  on  the  margin,  obtuse  at  the 
end,  mucronated.  Stem  erect,  supporting  a  terminal  umbel  of 
large  flowers  at  a  distance  from  the  leaves.  Cambridge,  Sweet 
Auburn. — July. — Perennial. 

AscLEPiAS  puRPURAsoENs.  Puvph  sllk  Weed, 

Leaves  ovate,  villous  underneath ;  stem  simple ; 
umbels  erect ;  nectaries  resupinate.     Mill. 

Stem  upright ;  leaves  oblong,  rather  acute,  on  short  pe- 
tioles ;  umbels  terminal,  erect ;  corollas  dark  purple  ;  horns  of 
the  nectary  bent  horizontally  imvard. — Cambridge,  on  the  Con- 
cord turnpike.— July. — Perennial. 


Class  V.      Order  II.  63 

AscLEPiAS  puLCHRA.     TVUld.  Water  silk  weed. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  pubescent  underneath  ;  stem 
divided  toward  the  top ;  umbels  erect,  in  pairs. 
Willd. 

Common  in  wet  ground,  by  the  sides  of  ponds,  8cc.  Stems 
commonly  in  bunches,  erect,  downy,  subdivided  near  the  top. 
Leaves  lanceolate,  tapering  to  a  very  acute  point,  downy  on  the 
under  side.  Umbels  many,  small,  on  downy  peduncles.  Flow- 
ci's  purple. — July. — Perennial. 

The  bark  is  very  strong  and  fibrous. 

AsciEPiAS  TUBERosA,  L.         Butterfly  weed.    Pleurisy  root. 

Leaves  alternate,  lanceolate ;  stem  divaricate, 
hairy.  L. 

Syn.     AscLEPiAS  decvmbehs.      Walt. 

Stem  upright  or  decumbent,  hairy,  branching  at  top.  Leaved 
scattered,  oblong,  or  lanceolate,  hairy.  Umbels  terminal. 
Flowers  deep  orange  colour. — Grows  at  Woburn,  and  is  fre- 
quent in  the  interior  of  the  state. — July. — Perennial. 

The  root  of  this  plant  has  considerable  medicinal  activity. 
See  Dr.  Barton's  Materia  Medica  of  the  United  States. 

AsoLEPiAS  vERTioiLLATA.  L.  WliorUd  JlscUpias. 

Leaves  revolute,  linear,  v\^horled ;  stem  erect.  L, 

This  very  neat  species  is  altogether  different  in  its  habit  from 
those  already  described.  Stem  slender,  marked  with  downy 
^  stripes.  Leaves  in  whorls  of  five  or  six,  linear,  revolute  at  the 
margin,  paler  beneath.  Umbels  several,  small,  <:oming  out 
from  among  the  upper  whorls.  Flowers  white. — On  a  hill 
near  the  Dedhara  turnpike,  Roxbury. — July.— Perennial. 


6^  Class  V.     Order  11. 

76.     GENTIANA. 
Gentiana  saponauia.  L.  Soapwort  Gentian, 

Corollas  live  cleft,  companulate,  inflated,  whorl- 
ed  ;  leaves  ovate  lanceolate,  three  nerved,  FroeL 

A  vei'y  fine  plant,  distinguished  by  its  large  purple  flowers 
which  are  so  nearly  closed  at  the  top  as  to  resemble  buds. 
Stem  erect,  simple,  sm^ooth.  Leaves  opposite,  oval-lanceolate, 
acuminate,  smooth,  three  and  sometimes  five  nerved.  Flowers 
sessile  in  bunches  at  the  top,  and  frequently  on  the  sides  in  the 
axils  of  the  upper  leaves.  Corolla  bell  shaped,  purple  and  white, 
slightly  five  cleft,  its  segments  subdivided  and  folded  together 
so  as  to  close  the  mouth.— Found  in  moist  woods,  Cambridge- 
September,  October. 

Gentiana  orinita.     FroeL  Fringed  Gentian. 

Corollas   four  cleft,   the  segments   cut-ciliate ; 
leaves  lanceolate,  acute;  stem  erect,  round,  FroeL 

This  gentian  is  exceeded  by  few  native  plants  in  the  delica- 
cy and  beauty  of  its  flowers.  The  stems  are  divided  toward 
the  top  into  several  erect  branches.  The  leaves  are  opposite, 
ovate-lanceolate,  smaller  than  in  the  last  species.  Flowers 
erect,  on  the  ends  of  the  branches,  remote  from  the  leaves. 
The  stamens  are  four  in  number,  as  are  the  segments  of  the 
calyx  and  corolla.  The  segments  of  the  corolla  are  of  a  deep 
purple  and  fringed  on  the  end. — On  the  Concord  turnpike. — 
September,  October. 

77.     CUSCUTA. 

CuscuTA  Americana.  L.  Dodder. 

FloAvers     peduncled,     umbellate,    five    cleft. 
WUld, 

A  small,  yellowish,  leafless  vine,  twining  round  other  plants, 


Class  V.     Order  II.  65 

wliich  it  penetrates  with  lateral  roots  so  as  to  derive  nourish- 
roent  from  their  juices.  Its  small  umbels  of  flowers  appear  in 
June  and  July. 

78.     SALSOLA. 
Salsola  Caroliniana.     Mich.  Jlmerican  Saltwort. 

Herbaceous,  decumbent ;  leaves  subulate,  spin- 
ous, smooth,  dilated  and  entire  at  base ;  calyx  ax- 
illary, margined. 

A  stiff,  prickly  plant  of  the  sea  shore.  Stems  much  branch- 
c;d,  angular,  smooth.  Leaves  numerous,  short,  rigid,  awl-shap- 
ed and  very  acute,  spreading,  smooth  and  entire,  dilated  at  base, 
sessile.  The  lower  leaves  are  deciduous,  so  that  when  the 
fruit  is  rjpe,  only  the  floral  leaves  remain.  These  are  three  in 
number  to  each  flower,  resembling  the  other  leaves,  but  shoit- 
er,  their  base  dilated  and  perfectly  entire,  not  repand  as  in  Salsola 
Kali.  The  calyx  is  externally  compressed  into  a  broad,  mem- 
branous margin,  flattish,  but  rising  in  the  centre.  Seed  enclos- 
ed in  the  calyx,  cockle-shaped  from  its  spiral  cotyledons. — 
Salt  marshes. — July,  August. 

Plants  of  this  genus  are  used  in  the  manufacture  of  Soda. 

79.     CHENOPODIUM. 
Chenopodium  album.  L.  White  Goasefoot.    Hog-weed, 

Leaves  rhomboid-ovate,  eroded,  entire  behind, 
the  upper  ones  oblong,  entire ;  seeds  smooth.    Sm. 

A  common   weed  in  cultivated,  and  waste  ground.     Stem 
channelled,  branched  ;  leaves  mealy,  the  lower  ones  unequally 
toothed  above,  the  upper  ones  smaller,  entire.      Bunches  of 
flowers  erect,  green  or  mealy. — July.— Annual. 
9 


6ft  Class  V.     Order  H. 

Chenopodium  rubrum.  L.  Red  Goosefoot. 

Leaves  triangular,  approaching  to  rhomboid; 
deeply  toothed,  and  somewhat  sinuated ;  clusters 
upright,  compound,  leafy.  Sm. 

More  green,  fleshy,  and  compact  than  the  last.  Leaves  sin- 
uated, tapering  at  base.  Clusters  of  flowers,  close,  interspersed 
with  small  leaves. — Among  rubbish,  especially  in  low  ground. 
—Annual. 

Chenopodium  hybridum.  L.  Tall  Goosefoot, 

Leaves  cordate,  angular-toothed^  acuminate ; 
racemes  branched,  somewhat  cymose^  divaricate, 
leafless.  Sm. 

A  tall  species  with  large  leaves.  Stem  slender,  upright. 
Leaves  spreading,  bright  green,  with  a  few  large  teeth  on  each 
side,  heart  shaped  at  base,  tapering  into  a  long  point.  Clusters 
compound,  branching,  open,  remote  from  leaves.— Wastes  and 
rubbish. — July. — Annual. 

Chenopodium  botrys.  L>  Cut  leaved  Goosefoot, 

Leaves  oblong,  sinuated ;  racemes  naked,  many 
cleft.  L. 

Stem  short,  branching,  somewhat  rigid,  leafy.  Leaves  pe- 
tioled,  oblong,  deeply  sinuated,  slightly  pubescent.  Flowers  in 
numerous  short  axillary  racemes,  covering  the  ends  of  the 
branches,  and  giving  them  the  appearance  of  long  leafy  spikes. 
The  whole  plant  has  a  strong,  peculiar  smell  when  bruised.— 
Woods,  Brighton. — Annual. 

80.     ULMUS. 
Ulmus  Americana    L.  Common  Elm. 

Leaves  equally  serrate,  unequal  at  the  base.  L. 


Class  V.     Order  11.  67 

This  stately  tree  is  distinguished  at  sight  from  the  cultivat- 
ed English  elms  by  its  long  pendulous  branches.  It  also  loses 
its  leaves  in  autumn  several  weeks  sooner.  The  flowers,  which 
appear  in  April,  have  commonly  from  six  to  eight  stamens. 
They  are  small,  of  a  dull  purple  colour,  and  grow  in  bunches 
oh  slender  footstalks.  The  seeds  are  contained  in  a  flat,  oval, 
winged  capsule  or  samara,  which  is  ciliated  at  the  edge.  The 
leaves  grow  altei'nately  on  opposite  sides  of  the  branches  ;  they 
are  more  smooth  and  more  uniformly  serrated  than  those  of  the 
English  elm.  The  wood  of  the  elm  is  tough,  and  principally 
used  to  form  the  naves  or  hubbs  of  wheels. 

81.  HYDROCOTYLE. 

Hydrocotyle  Americana.  L.  Pennyivort. 

Leaves  reniform,  somewhat  lobed,  crenate,  L, 

A  small  plant  found  in  moist  ground  under  the  shade  of 
bushes,  &c.  Stem  creeping.  Leaves  kidney  shaped,  doubly 
crenate,  light  green,  very  smooth  and  thin.  Flowers  minute, 
in  very  small  umbels  or  bunches,  sessile.— July.— Perennial. 

82.     SANICULA. 

Sanicula  Marilandica.  L.  Sanicle. 

Barren  flowers  on  peduncles,  perfect  ones  ses- 
sile.  Gr. 

Stem  upright,  smooth,  divided  into  a  few  erect  branches. 
Leaves  divided  somewhat  in  a  pedate  manner,  acutely  serrate. 
Umbels  simple,  few  flowered,  the  barren  flowers  on  short  pe- 
duncles, the  perfect  or  fruitful  ones  sessile.  Seeds  furnished 
with  hooked  bristles. — About  thickets  in  low  ground. 

83.    HERACLEUM. 

Heracleum  LANATUM.  JfificA.  Cow  pavsTiep, 

Leaves  ternate,  woolly  underneath,  leafets  pe- 


68  Class  V.     Order  II. 

tioled  roundish-heart  shaped,  lobed ;  fruit  orbicu- 
lar. Mich.  abr. 

One  of  the  largest  of  our  umbelliferous  plants.  Petioles 
and  nerves  of  the  leaves  channelled,  bristly.  Lcafets  large, 
woolly  on  the  under  side,  deeply  cut  into  lobes,  which  are  again 
cut,  and  unequally  serrate.  Umbels  radiate,  half  a  foot  in  di- 
ameter, flat.  Flowers  white.  Seeds  thin,  round-oval,  emargin- 
ate,  marked  with  three  short  lines. — South  Boston,  Dorchester. 
—June. — Perennial. 

84.     CONIUM. 

CoNiuM  MAcuLATUM.  L.  Commoti  Hemlock. 

Seeds  unarmed,  striate,  stem  much  branched, 
shining,  spotted.  Sm. 

A  well  known  poisonous  plant.  Stem  from  three  to  six  feet 
high,  round,  spotted.  Leaves  three  times  pinnate,  of  a  shining 
green.  General  involucre  of  five  or  seven  lanceolate,  reflected 
leafets.  Partial  involucre  of  three  or  four  on  the  outer  side  of 
the  footstalk.  Petals  five,  oval,  curled  in  at  their  points.  Fruit 
oval,  striate,  the  ribs  often  sligbtly  wrinkled. — Road  sides,  and 
waste  ground. — June,  July. 

The  mspissated  juice  of  this  plant  is  extensively  used  in  me- 
dicine. Care  must  be  taken  to  distinguish  it  from  a  species  of. 
^thusa,  nearly  allied  to  M.  cynapium,  (perhaps  a  variety)  which 
grows  with,  and  very  much  resembles  it.  The  JEthusa  is  a 
smaller  plant,  has  no  general  involucre,  and  its  partial  ones  con- 
sist of  three  long  pendulous  leafets.  Their  taste  is  different, 
that  of  hemlock  being  the  most  nauseous. 

85.    ANGELICA. 
Angelica  triquinata.  Mich.  Common  Angelica. 

Petiole  three  parted,  its  divisions  pinnate-five 
leaved  ;  leafets  cut-toothed,  of  the  terminal  leafets 


Class  V.     Order  II.  69 

the  odd  one  rhomboid,  sessile,  the  lateral  ones  de- 
cursive.  Mich. 

A  very  large  umbellate  plant,  well  known  for  its  fine  aroma- 
tic flavour.  Stem  large,  five  or  six  feet  high,  petioles  with  very 
large  swelling  stipulae.  Leaves  smooth,  decompound,  the  three 
terminal  leafets  appearing  as  one.  Seeds  oblong-hemispheri- 
cal, three  winged  on  the  back.     Cambridge,  meadows. — June. 

86.     SIUM. 
SiUM  LALiFOLiuM.  L.  Water  par suej}. 

Leaves    pinnate ;     leafets    oblong-lanceolate, 
equally  serrate.  Sm. 

A  tall  aquatic  plant  common  in  ditches  and  muddy  brooks.. 
Stem  erect,  hollow,  smooth,  with  deep  furrows  and  sharp,  prom- 
inent angles.  Leaves  pinnate ;  leafets  in  half  a  dozen  pairs, 
with  an  odd  one,  ovate-lanceolate,  equally  serrate,  or  laciniatcd 
if  under  water.  Umbels  solitary,  mostly  terminal.  General 
involucre  of  many  leaves  lanceolate,  and  occasionally  serrate. 
Partial  involucres  small.  Flowers  white.  Fruit  ovate,  striated. 
— From  July  to  September. — Perennial. 

87.     SISON. 

SisoN  Canadense.  L.  Honeivort. 

Leaves  ternate ;  umbels  irregular. 

Stem  smooth.  Leaves  in  threes,  the  radical  ones  cleft,  those 
of  the  stem  doubly  toothed,  rhomboidal,  shining.  Umbel  une- 
qual, of  four  rays  with  no  general  involucre.  Partial  umbels 
unequal,  close,  fcAV  flowered  with  a  minute  involucre.  Flow- 
ers small,  white.  Seeds  smooth,  oblong.— Lynn  beach  islapd, 
^July. 


70  Class  V.     Order  III. 

88.    CICUTA. 
CicuTA  MAcuLATA.  L.  Water  hemlock.    Snakeweed. 

Serratures  of  the  leaves  mucronate,  stipules  ex- 
tending up  the  petioles,  two  lobed  at  top.  Mill. 

Stem  three  or  four  feet  high,  commonly  purplish.  Leaves 
triply  pinnate.  Leafets  oblong-lanceolate,  pointed,  serrate,  the 
■upper  ones  sessile,  lower  ones  shortly  petioled,  the  serratvjres 
finely  mucronate.  Umbels  of  moderate  size  ;  general  invo- 
lucre none,  partial  one  of  many  leaves. — In  wet  meadows.-«-» 
June  and  after. — Perennial. 

TRIGIWM. 

89.    VIBURNUM. 
Viburnum  Lentago.  L.  Fear  leaved  Viburnum. 

Leaves  broad-ovate,  acuminate,  sharply  serrate, 
petioles  margined,  curled.  Ait. 

A  tall  shrub  in  low  gronnds.  Leaves  very  finely  serx'ate, 
the  serratures  shai-p,  a  little  turned  inward.  Petioles  with  a 
membranous  margin,  widest  in  the  upper  leaves,  waved  or 
curled.  Flowers  in  cymes,  as  are  all  the  subsequent  species. 
Fruit  pleasant  to  the  taste. — South  Boston,  Cambridge. — June. 

Viburnum  nudum.  L.  JVaked  Vibumum, 

Leaves  oval,  a  little  wrinkled,  revolute  at  the 
margin,  obsoletely  crenulate.  Mt. 

A  shrub  of  low  grounds  like  the  last.  Leaves  smooth,  tap- 
ering to  a  bluntish  point,  entire  or  very  slightly  crenate,  reflect- 
ed at  the  margin.  Cymes  naked,  without  bractes  or  involucres. 
The  leaves  turn  black  in  drying. — Cambi'idgeport. — June. 

Viburnum  dentatum.  L.  *Arrowwo.od, 

Leaves  Qvate,  dentate,  serrate,  plaited.  L, 


Class  V.     Order  III.  71 

A  more  common  shrub  than  the  foregoing.  The  shoots 
are  slender  and  very  straight,  from  whence  it  has  received  the 
name  of  Arrow  wood.  Leaves  roundish  or  oval,  very  regularly 
toothed,  the  veins  parallel  and  prominent  underneath. — Moist 
woods.— 'June,  July. 

Viburnum  acerifolium.  L.  Maple  Viburnum. 

Leaves  three  lobed,  acuminate,   sharply   ser- 
rate ;  petioles  without  glands,  hairy.    Willd, 

Leaves  rounded  or  hearted  at  base,  broad,  divided  into  three 
lobes,  with  large- teeth,  very  soft  with  minute  down  underneath. 
Cymes  on  long  peduncles. — Woods,  Roxbury. — June,  July. 

The  different  species  of  Viburnum  are  fine  flowering  shrubs, 
and  with  the  Elder,  next  described,  constitute  a  principal  orna- 
ment of  our  woods  and  thickets  during  the  first  part  of  sum- 
mer. 

90.      SAMBUCUS. 
Sambuous  Canadensis.  L.  Common  Elder. 

Cymes  five  parted;    leaves  nearly  bipinnate, 
stem  shrubby.   Willd. 

Michaux  says  he  could  observe  no  difference  between  this 
species  and  the  Sambucus  nigra  of  Europe,  except  in  size,  the 
latter  being  a  tree,  the  fomier  a  shrub.  Leaves  pinnate,  the 
lower  leafets  double  or  ternate,  and  all  of  them  oblong-oval, 
sharply  serrate,  tapering  to  a  very  long  and  acute  point.  Flow- 
ers white  ;  berries  blackish ;  both  considered  medicinal. — June,. 
July. 

91.     RHUS. 
Rhus  glabrum.  L.  Sihooth  Sumach. 

Glabrous  ;  leaves  pinnate,  of  many  pairs,  leafets 


73  Class  Y.     Order  Hi. 

lance-oblong,  serrate,  whitish  underneath.    Mich, 
abr^ 

A  common  species  of  Sumach  found  about  fences  and  bor- 
ders of  fields.  Petioles  and  leaves  unarmed  and  smooth.  The 
flowers  are  dioecious.  The  leaves  of  this  and  the  two  fol- 
lowing species  are  astringent  and  used  in  tanning.  Berries 
ci'imson,  astringent,  and  acid. — June,  July. 

Rhus  typhinum.  L.  Sta^^s  h&rn  or  Velvet  Sumach. 

Branches  and  petioles  hairy;  leaves  pinnate, 
of  many  pairs,  hairy  underneath  ;  leafets  lance-ob- 
long, sharply  serrate. 

A  larger  spdcies  than  the  last ;  its  leafstalks  and  last  years 
branches  covered  with  thick  bristly  hair.  Bunches  of  berries 
crowded,  purple,  velvet  like.  I  believe  this  species  to  be 
dioecious. — In  low  ground. — June. 

The  bark  and  leaves  give  out  a  milky  juice  on  being  broken, 
both  in  this  and  the  other  species. 

Rhus  copallinum.  L.  Mountain  or  Dwarf  Sumach. 

Leaves  pinnate,  entire;  petioles  membranous, 
jointed.  L. 

A  smaller  shrub  than  the  preceding.  The  young  branch- 
es and  petioles  are  downy*  Leafets  oval-lanceolate,  acute,  en- 
tire. Between  each  pair  the  petiole  spreads  out  into  a  broad 
leafy  expansion,  contracted  at  the  insertion  of  the  leafets.  Flow- 
ers dioecious. 

RhusVernix.  L.  Poison  dogwood.    Swan^j  Sumach. 

Quite  glabrous ;  leaves  pinnate,  of  many  pairs  ; 
leafets  oval,  abruptly  acuminate,  entire ;  panicle 
lax  ;  flowers  dioecious  ;  fruit  smooth.  Mich.  abr. 

Qrows  in  bunches  ]fi  wet  swamps,  where  its  fine  smooth 


Class  V.      Order  III,  73 

feaves  give  it  the  air  of  a  tropical  shrub  or  tree.  Petioles  long, 
roundish,  smooth ;  the  partial  ones  very  short.  Leafets  oval, 
temiinating  in  a  short  point.  Peduncle  long,  smooth,  sup- 
porting a  loose  panicle  of  small  flowers,  which  are  dioecious. 
Berries  white. 

The  effluvium  of  this  shrub  is  a  violent  poison  to  certain  con- 
stitutions, pi'odxicing  in  them  a  distressing  cutaneous  eruption, 
when  it  is  handled  or  even  approached.  On  others,  and  I  be- 
lieve on  a  majority,  it  exerts  no  influence.  The  leaves  have 
been  rubbed,  chewed,  and  swallowed  without  injury.  Their 
taste  is  simply  herbaceous  and  asti'ingent,  and  does  not  indi- 
cate any  extraordinary  quality. 

In  Japan  a  fine  varnish  is  said  to  be  pi'epared  from  the  juice 
of  the  Rhus  vernix^  a  tree,  whose  identity  with  the  present,  is 
still  a  subject  of  dispute. 

Rhus  radicans.  L.  Poison  Ivy. 

Leaves  ternate ;  leafets  petioled,  ovate,  naked, 
entire  ;  stem  rooting.  L. 

A  hardy  climber,  frequently  seen  running  up  trees  to  a  great 
heigiit,  supporting  itself  by  lateral  roots,  and  becoming  neai'ly 
buried  in  their  bark.  Leaves  in  threes,  large,  smooth,  round- 
ish, pointed.  Racemes  sessile,  mostly  about  the  axils  of  the 
leaves.  Flowers  dioecious.  Berries  white. — Poisonous  in  a  less 
degree  than  the  last.— The  juice  stains  a  black  colour. — June. 

92.     SAROTHRA. 

Sarothra  Gentianoides.  L.  Fine  weed. 

Syn.     Hypericum  SARornjRA.  Mich, 

A  small,  erect,  branching  plant.  Leaves  appressed,  scale- 
iike,  so  «mall,  that  the  plant  appears  leafless.  Branches  numer- 
ous, subdivided,  erect.  Flowers  small,  yelloAv,  with  from  five 
to  ten  stamens  and  three  styles.  Capsule  oblong,  coloured. 
— -On  sandy  soils  exposed  to  the  sun. — July,  ->\ugust. 
10 


7*  Class  V.     Order  V, 

93.    ARALIA. 
Aralia  NUDioAULis.  L.  Wild  SarsapaHlla. 

Stemless,  leaves  decompound,  scape  leafless. 
Willd, 

A  well  known  aromatic  root.  It  has  no  stem  unles  the  ter- 
mination of  the  root  be  so  considered.  Leaves  on  long  stalksj 
subdivided  into  three  times  three,  or  three  times  five  leafets, 
which  are  oval  and  serrate.  The  scape  rises  between  the  leaf 
stalks,  and  supports  a  few  simple  umbels.-— Woods  and  thick- 
ets.—May,  June.— Perennial. 

Aralia  raoemosa.  L.  Pettymorrel.    Spikenard. 

Stem  herbaceous,  smooth  ;  leaves  decompound; 
peduncles  axillary,  branching,  umbelled.   Willd. 

Tall  and  irregulaly  branched.     Stem  smooth,  dark  green  or 

red.     Leafets  large,  ovate  or  heart-shaped,  serrate.     Flowers 

I  in  small  umbels,  which  are  again  arranged  in  branching  racemes, 

from  the  axils  or  forks  of  the  stem. — In  woods. — June,  July. — 

It  is  aromatic  and  in  high  estimation  with  people  of  the  coun- 
try. 

Aralia  hispida.  Mich.  Bristly  Aralia. 

Stem  shrubby  at  base,  hispid  ;  leaves  twice  pin- 
nate ;  leafets  cut  serrate ;  umbels  on  long  pedun- 
cles. Mich.  abr. 

The  lower  part  of  the  stem  endures  the  winter,  and  has  a 
shrubby  appearance,  but  most  of  the  herb  is  annual.  The  stem 
is  set  Avith  thick  and  stiff  binstles  at  the  base.  Leafets  much 
smaller  than  in  the  preceding,  sharply  and  unequally  serrate, 
ending  in  a  long  point.  Umbels  several,  on  long  peduncles. — 
Woods,  Cambridgeport— June. 


Class  V.     Order  V.  7» 

94.  DROSERA. 

Drosera  rotundifolia.  L.  Round  leaved  Sun-dew, 

Leaves  orbicular,  radical,  depressed;    petioles 
bairy  ;  scape  bearing  a  simple  raceme.  Sm. 

The  thick  glandular  hairs,  which  cover  the  leaves  of  this  and 
other  species,  will  readily  distinguish  them  from  other  plants. 
Leaves  small,  round,  spreading  on  the  ground  in  a  flat  circle. 
Scape  smooth,  bearing  a  one-rowed,  curved  raceme  of  small 
white  flowers. — Wet,  boggy  land. — July,  August. 

95.  STATICE. 

Statioe  limonium.  L.  Marsh  rosemary. 

Scape  panicled,  round;  leaves  smooth,  desti- 
tute of  nerves,  tipped  with  a  small  point.  Sm. 

Very  common  on  our  salt  marshes,  flowering  in  June  and 
lifter.  Leaves  obovate,  or  spatulate,  waved  at  the  edge,  very 
smooth  and  entire,  nerveless,  mucronated  at  the  tip.  Scape 
alternately  branched,  the  branches  ascending,  somewhat  corymb- 
ed.     Flowers  numerous,  erect,  small,  blue. — Perennial. 

The  root  is  strongly  astringent,  and  with  us  is  an  ofiicinai 
article  of  considerable  consumption. 


76  Class  VI.     Order  I. 

Class  VI.         HEXAISDRIA.      Six  stamens. 
Order  I,      MOJVOGFJ^M.     One  style. 

96.  Berberis.  Calyx  six  leaved,  inferior ; 
corolla  six  petalled ;  two  glands  at  the  base  of  each 
petal ;  berry  two  seeded. 

97'  Prinos.  Calyx  six  cleft,  inferior ;  corol- 
la six  parted,  wheel  shaped ;  berry  six  seeded. 

98.  PoNTEDERiA.  CoroUa  inferior,  ringent, 
six  cleft ;  stamens  inserted  three  in  the  tip,  and 
three  in  the  tube  of  the  corolla  ;  capsule  three  cell- 
ed. 

99.  Hypoxis.  Spatlie  two  valved ;  corolla 
superior,  six  parted  ;  capsule  narrow^er  at  the  base. 

100.  CoNVALLARiA.  Calyx  none :  corolla  six 
cleft,  inferior;  stigma  three  sided;  berry  three 
celled. 

101.  UvuLARiA.  Calyx  none  ;  corolla  inferior, 
petals  six,  erect,  with  a  nectariferous  cavity  at  their 
base  ;  stamens  very  short, 

102.  Erythronium.  Calyx  none  ;  corolla  in- 
ferior, six  petalled  ;  the  three  inner  petals  with  a 
callous  prominence  on  each  edge  near  the  base. 

103.  LiLiuM.  Calyx  none  ;  corolla  inferior, 
six  petalled,  the  petals  with  a  longitudinal  groove 
from  the  middle  to  the  base. 

•  104.  AcoRus.  Spadix  cylindrical,  covered 
w  ith  flowers ;  corolla  six  petalled  ;  style  none  ; 
capsule  three  celled. 


Class  Yl.     Order  Y,  7T 

105.  JuNCus.  Calyx  six  leaved,  inferior,  per- 
manent ;  corolla  none ;  capsule  three  valved ;  seeds 
numerous  ;  stigmas  three. 

Order  III.'      TRIGIWM.     Three  styles. 

106.  Medeola.  Calyx  none  ;  corolla  inferior 
six  parted,  revolute  ;  berry  three  seeded. 

107.  Trillium.  Calyx  three  leaved,  infe- 
rior ;  corolla  three  petalled  ;  berry  three  celled. 

108.  Triglochin.  Calyx  three  leaved,  i^ife- 
rior ;  corolla  three  leaved,  resembling  the  calyx  ; 
styles  none  j  capsule  bursting  at  the  base  ;  seeds 
solitary. 

109.  RuMEX.  Calyx  three  leaved  inferior; 
petals  three  connivent ;  stigma  many  cleft ;  seed 
one,  triangular,  naked. 

Order  Y.     POLFGY^^Ij}.    Many  styles. 

110.  Alisma.  Calyx  three  leaved ;  corolla 
three  petalled ;  capsules  numerous,  clustered,  one 
seeded. 


78  Class  VI.     Order  I. 


HEXANDRIA. 

MOJVOGFjyU. 

96.    BERBERIS. 
Berberis  vulgaris.  L.  Barberry  hush^ 

Flowers  in  racemes  ;  spines  three  forked  ;  ser- 
ratures  of  leaves  terminated  by  soft  bristles.  Sm. 

Few  shrubs  are  better  known  or  more  common  by  road 
sides  and  fences,  in  gravelly  soils.  Branches  dotted  and  armed 
with  triple  thorns.  Leaves  inversely  ovate,  serrate,  the  teeth 
and  point  ending  in  short  bx'istles.  The  yellow  flowers  appear 
in  June  in  hanging  clusters ,-  succeeded  by  oblong,  acid  ber- 
ries of  a  deep  red  colour. 

A  very  remarkable  degree  of  irritability,  not  exceeded  by 
the  sensitive  plant,  exists  in  the  flowers  of  the  Barberry.  When 
these  are  fully  expanded,  the  stamens  are  found  spread  out  on 
the  inner  side  of  the  corolla.  In  this  situation  if  the  inside  of 
the  filament  be  touched  with  a  pin  or  straw,  it  instantly  con- 
tracts and  throws  the  anther  violently  against  the  stigma. 
This  fact  which  has  been  particularly  described  by  Dr.  Smith 
in  the  English  Barberry,  is  not  less  remarkable  and  distinct  in 
the  American  variety  of  the  shrub. 

It  is  a  commonly  received  opinion,  both  here  and  in  Eu- 
rope, that  the  barberry  is  injurious  to  cultivated  grain.  Wheat, 
rye,  &c.  growing  in  its  neighbourhood,  are  said  to  be  blighted. 
But  some  distinguished  philosophic  agriculturalists,  among 
whom  are  Duhamel  and  Broussonet,  have  assured  us  that  the 
opinion  is  without  foundation.— May  not  the  supposed  fault  be- 
long to  the  peculiar  soil  and  situation  which  the  barberry  fre- 
quents ? 


Class  VI.     Order  I.  79 

97.    PRINOS. 

PRINOS  VERTICILLATUS.    L.  BlacJc  Jild^, 

Leaves  oval,  serrate,  acuminate,  liairy  on  the 
nerves  beneath. 

Syn.     Prjnos  Gaoiforii.  Mich. 

Black  alder  or  Winter  berry  is  readily  discovered  in  woods 
and  swamps  after  the  leaves  have  fallen,  by  its  crowded  scarlet 
berries  which  remain  on  the  small  branches.  It  is  a  large 
shrub,  with  small,  white,  six  parted  flowers,  in  lateral  or  axillary 
bunches,  appearing  in  June  and  July. — The  bark  is  consider- 
ed medicinal. 

Prinos  glaber.  L.  Evergreen  Winter  herry^. 

Leaves  wedge-lanceolate,  glabrous,  serrate  at 
tip.  • 

Distinguished  from  the  former  by  its  smooth  coriaceous, 
evergreen  leaves,  which  are  of  a  bluntish  lanceolate  form,  with 
a  few  small  remote  teeth  at  the  end.  Flowers  axillary.—- 
Swamps.— June,  July. 

98.    PONTEDERIA. 

PoNTEDERiA  coRDATA.  L.  Pickerel-weed. 

Leaves  heart  shaped,  flowers  spiked.  L, 

During  the  month  of  July,  the  tall  blue  spikes  of  Pontede- 
ria  are  very  conspicuous  on  the  borders  of  ponds  and  rivers  oi 
deep  water  and  muddy  bottoms.  Stem  erect,  fleshy,  cylindri- 
cal. Leaves  long,  heart  shaped,  very  smooth,  with  convergent 
nerves.  Stem  leaf  sheathing  at  the  base  of  its  stalk.  Flowers 
in  a  cylindi'ical  spike,  proceeding  from  a  short  spathe.  Corol- 
las irregular,  som&what  labiate. — Perennial. 


80  Class  VI.     Order  I. 

99.    HYPOXIS. 
Hgpoxis  ERECTA.  L.  Yellow  Bethlehem  star. 

Hairy  ;  scape  about  four  flowered,  shorter  than 
the  leaves;  leaves  linear-lanceolate;  peduncles 
twice  as  long  as  tlie  flower. 

Syn.     Hrpoxis  Qarolisiajja.  Mich. 

The  yellow,  star-like  flowers  of  this  plant  appear  among  the 
grass  in  pastures,  in  June  and  after.  Root  bulbous.  Leaves 
grass  like,  hairy.  Scape  slender,  haiiy,  divided  at  top  into  about 
four  peduncles,  with  subulate  bi-actes  or  spathes  at  their  base. 
Corolla  wheel  shaped,  of  six  lanceolate  petals  or  segments, 
hairy  on  the  outside.     Perennial. 

100.     CONVALLARIA. 
CoNVALLARiA  BiFOLiA.  h,  Two  leuved  Solomsn's  seuL 

Stem  two  or  three  leaved,  leaves  heart  shaped,  . 
flowers  tetrandrous.  Mich. 

The  creeping  roots  of  this  little  plant  cause  it  to  spread 
extensively  in  the  moist  situations  where  it  grows.  Its  stem 
is  furnished  with  two  or  three  smooth,  thin,  delicate  leaves,  ob- 
long heart  shaped  and  sessile.  Flowers  white,  in  a  short  erect 
cluster.  Corolla  four  cleft ;  stamens  four.  The  unripe  ber- 
ries are  white  and  spotted,  a  circumstance  said  to  be  common 
to  all  the  species. — Flowers  in  May. — Perennial. 

CoNVALLARiA  RACEMosA.  L.  .Clustered  Solomon^s  seol. , 

Leaves  alternate,  nearly  sessile,  oval,  acumin- 
ate ;  raceme  terminal,  compound. 

A  large  species,  every  part  of  it  covered  with  fine  down 
Leaves  alternate  oblong,  large,  tapering  to  a  long  point,  their 
base  narrowed  into  a  sort  of  petiole.     The  stem  terminates  in  a 


Class,  VI.     Order  I.  81 

branching  raceme  of  white  or  greenish  flowers.     Corollas  small, 
neai'ly  rotate.     In  low  ground. — June. — Perennial. 

CoNVALLARiA  MULTiFLORA.  L.  Many fioweved  Solomon^s  seol. 

Leaves  alternate,  clasping ;  stem  round ;  pe- 
duncles axillary,  many  flowered.  L. 

A  smaller  plant  than  the  preceding  species.  Stem  about 
two  feet  high,  smooth,  round,  simple,  nodding  at  top.  Leaves 
alternate,  oral,  nerved,  slightly  clasping  at  base.  Flower  stalks 
axillary,  drooping,  branched,  supporting  several  pendulous 
white  flowers.  Corollas  long,  funnel  shaped,  somewhat  cylin- 
drical, six  cleft.— About  fences  and  shady  places. — May,  June, 
—Perennial. 

101.    UVULARIA. 

UvuLARiA  PERFOLiATA.  L.  Perfoliate  Belhvort. 

Leaves  perfoliate  ;  segments  of  the  corolla  gran- 
ular vv^itliin,  capsule  truncated.  Mich. 

Has  the  habit  of  the  last  genus.  Stem  smooth,  round,  run- 
ning through  the  leaves.  J^eaves  oval,  smooth,  perforated  by 
the  stem  near  their  base,  furnishing  a  good  example  of  the  per- 
foliate leaf.  Flowers  pendulous,  yellow,  of  six  petals  or  seg- 
ments, bell  shaped.  Capsule  three  cornered,  appearing  as  if 
cut  off  in  the  middle. — Woods,  Waterto^vn,  Brooklyn.— May. — 
Perennial. 

UvuLARiA  sEssiLiFOLiA.  L.  Sess'iU  leuved.  Bellwort.  ' 

Leaves    sessile,  lance-oval,    glaucous    under- 
.  neath  5  capsule  pedunculated ;  ovate.  Pei'S. 

Stem  slender,  smooth,  dividing  at  top  into  two  branches,  one 
bearing  only  leaves,  the  other  leaves  and  a  flower.     The  leaves 
are  alternate,  thin,  smooth,  paler  underneath.     The  flower  pale 
11 


82  Class  VI.     Order  I. 

yellow,  on  a   slender  axillary  peduncle.     Capsule  ovate,  con* 
tracted  at  base. — Woods,  Brooklyn. — May. — Perennial. 

102.     ERYTHRONIUM. 

Erythronium  Americanum.  Bot.  Mag.     Dog^s  tooth  violet. 

Leaves  involute  at  the  point,  style  club  shaped, 

Si/n.     ERrfHRONiuM  longjfolium.  Poir. 
JErtthrosium  Dens  cjnis.  Mich. 

A  delicate  liliaceous  plant.  Root  bulbous,  commonly 
situated  deep  in  the  ground.  Leaves  two,  opposite,  lanceo- 
late, contracted  at  the  point,  smooth  and  shining,  their  surface 
clouded  with  irregular  spots.  Stalk  smooth,  supporting  a  sin- 
gle, drooping,  yellow  flower.  Petals  six,  obtuse,  three  of  them 
external,  the  three  inner  ones  with  a  slight  protuberance  on 
each  side  of  the  base.  Style  thickening  upward.  Germ  obo- 
vate.-^ Woods,  Brighton. — May. — Perennial. 

103.     LILIUM.  '  J 

LiLiuM  Canadense.  L.  Common  yellow  lily. 

Leaves  in  wliorls  ;  flowers  terminal,  drooping, 
petals  spreading. 

A  great  portion  of  our  meadows  are  embellished  with  the 
flowers  of  this  lily  in  the  first  part  of  summer.  Stem  green, 
varying  in  height  from  one  to  three  feet,  with  lanceolate  leaves 
surrounding  it  in  distant  whorls.  Flowers  sometimes  one,  and 
frequently  three  on  a  plant,  bell  shaped,  pendulous,  yellow,  spot- 
ted inside  ;  petals  lanceolate,  turned  outward,  but  hardly  reflex- 
ed. — June,  July. — Perennial. 

LiLiuM  Philadelphicum.  L.  Common  red  lily. ^'^ 

Leaves  in  whorls ;  flowers  erect ;  corolla  bell 
shaped,  petals  with  claws.  L. 


Class  VI.     Order  I.  83 

The  red  lily  is  a  less  shewy,  but  equally  beautiful  species 
with  the  last.  It  frequents  a  drier  soil,  and  is  commonly  found 
about  the  margins  of  fields,  among  bushes,  Ecc.  Leaves  whorl- 
ed,  a  few  sometimes  scattered.  FloAvers  one,  two,  or  three, 
upright,  of  a  dark  vermillion  colour,  spotted.  The  petals  are 
supported  on  long  claws,  which  gives  the  flower  an  open  ap- 
pearance.— June,  July. — Perennial. 

104.  ACORUS. 

AcoRus  Calamus.  L.  Sweet  fiag. 

Summit  of  the  stalk  above  tlie  flowers  very  long 
and  leaf  like.     Sm. 

Sweet  flag  root  is  an  officinal  article  in  considerable  estima- 
tion. At  times  when  the  plant  is  not  in  flower,  the  aromatic 
flavour  of  the  root  will  readily  distinguish  it  from  the  other  spe- 
cies of  flag,  a  name  indiscriminately  applied  here  to  plants  with 
sword  shaped  leaves,  as  Iris,  Typha,  8cc.  When  in  flower,  the 
long,  round,  solitary  spadix,  projecting  from  the  side  of  an  ap- 
parent leaf,  is  a  sufficient  mark.  The  spadix  is  closely  cover- 
ed with  small,  green  flowers  with  six  petals,  and  as  many  sta- 
mens.— Meadows^— June,  July. — Perennial. 

105.  JUNCUS. 

JuNous  EFFUsus.  i.  Soft  Tusli.    Bulriisk. 

Stem  nakedj  straight;    panicle  lateral,   loose^ 
thrice  compounded  ;  capsules  obtuse.     Sm. 

Found  every  where  in  moist  land,  growing  cominonly  in 
bunches.  Stems  perfectly  simple,  smooth,  round,  and  leafless, 
sheathed  at  the  base  and  filled  with  spongy  pith.  Panicle  pro- 
ceeding from  a  fissure  in  the  side  of  the  stem,  much  branched, 
and  bearing  many  small  green  flowers. — June,  July. — Perennial. 


84f  Class  VI.     Order  L 

JuNous  oAMPESTuis.  L.  Field  rush. 

Stem  leafy.  Leaves  flat,  hairy ;  spikes  ter- 
minal, sessile,  or  pedunculated ;  capsules  obtuse. 
Sm. 

Hardly  half  a  foot  high  in  dry  ground,  but  in  wet  situations 
much  taller.  Stem  upright,  round,  leafy.  Leaves  short,  grass 
like,  flat,  acute,  the  edges  fringed  with  fine,  loose  hairs.  Spikes 
terminal,  umbelled,  most  of  them  on  peduncles,  irregular  ovate, 
obtuse,  erect  or  nodding.  Calyx  leaves  lanceolate,  acute.  Cap- 
sules inversely  ovate,  obtuse,  shorter  than  the  calyx. — May.— • 
•Perennial. 

JuNous  TENUIS.  WUld.  Slender  vusk* 

Stem  roundish,  undivided ;  leaves  linear,  chan- 
nelled ;  corymb  terminal ;  leaves  of  the  calyx  acu- 
minate, larger  than  the  obtuse,  three  sided  capsule. 
Willd. 

A  small,  hardy  species,  common  about  foot  paths  and  road 
sides.  Stem  roundish,  leafy  at  base.  Leaves  slender,  channel- 
led on  the  upper  side.  Corymb  or  cyme  terminal,  unequal, 
invested  with  a  long,  leafy  involucre.  Capsule  obtuse,  a  little 
shorter  than  the  calyx. — June. — Perennial. 

JuNcus  poLYCEPHALos.  Mlck.  Many  headed  rush. 

Stem  few  leaved,  erect ;  leaves  somewhat  knot- 
ty ;  heads  round,  many  flowered,  panicled ;  calyx- 
es linear  ;  stamens  three.  Mich.  abr. 

Syn.     JuNcus  echinaTus.   Muhl. 

Common  in  meadows  and  low  ground.  Stem  erect,  firm, 
round,  smooth.  Leaves  round,  smooth,  interrupted  with  nu- 
merous transverse  partitions  or  joints.  Heads  resembling 
small  burrs,  sessile  and  pedunculated,  in  a  proliferous  panicle 


Class  VI.     Order  IIL  85 

or  umbel,  with  very  unequal  branches.    Calyx  leaves  crowded, 
linear-ianceolate,  very  acute. — Perennial. 

TRIGFJYM. 

106.  MEDEOLA. 

Medeola  Virginica.  L.  Cucumber  root. 

Leaves  in  whorls. 

Few  plants  exceed  this  in  geometrical  regularity  of  struc- 
ture and  appearance.  The  stem  is  erect,  smooth,  and  com- 
monly invested  with  loose  tufts  of  cotton-like  down.  The 
leaves  are  in  two  whorls,  the  lowermost  a  few  inches  from  the 
top,  consisting  of  about  seven  or  eight  broad  lanceolate  leaves, 
the  uppennost  of  three,  and  rarely  four  ovate  ones.  The  flow- 
ers are  terminal,  and  bend  down  through  the  interstices  of  the 
upper  leaves.  Petals  greenish  white,  revolute.  Styles  three, 
long,  reflexed.  The  root  is  tuberous,  with  a  flavour  resembling 
the  cucumber. — In  low  woods  and  swamps. — June,  July.-— Per- 
ennial. 

107.  TRILLIUM. 

Trillium  cernuum.  L.  JVoddhig  TrilLiunu 

Flower  on  a  footstalk,  drooping.   Willd. 

This  is  the  only  species  I  have  observed  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  Boston.  Leaves  three,  large,  roundish,  or  rhomboid, 
pointed.  Flower  terminal,  from  the  bosom  of  the  leaves,  bend- 
ing down  so  as  to  be  sheltered  beneath  them.  Calyx  leaves 
three.  Petals  three,  alternate  with  the  calyx  leaves,  nearly 
white,  reflexed.  Stigmas  three,  recurved. — In  shady  thicketij. 
^-May,  June. — Perennial. 

108.    TRIGLOCHIN. 

Trigloohin  MARiTiMUM.  L.  Sett  arvoiv  gvuss. 

Capsule  six  celledj  grooved,  ovate.  Willd. 


86  Class  VI.     Order  HI. 

The  leaves  of  this  plant  are  rush-like,  smooth,  fleshy, 
flexible,  and  semicylindrical.  They  have  a  sweetish,  not  un- 
pleasant taste.  Stalk  solitary,  bearing  a  long,  dense  spike  of 
greenish  flowers  on  very  short  pedicels.  They  have  six  leaves, 
three  of  which  may  pass  for  calyx  and  three  for  petals.  An- 
thers nearly  sessile. — Salt  marshes  and  ditches. — June. — Peren- 
nial. 

The  cultivation  of  this  plant  for  cattle  has  been  recommend- 
ed. 

109.     RUMEX. 
RuMEx  cRispus.  L.  Curled  Dock. 

Calyx  valves  ovate,  entire,  nil  bearing  grains  ; 
leaves  lanceolate,  waved,  acute. 

Root  fusiform.  Stem  furrowed,  smooth.  Leaves  lanceo- 
late, rather  acute,  waved  and  curled  on  the  margin.  Racemes 
of  half  whorls,  leafy  towards  the  base.  Valves  enclosing  th© 
seed  heart-shaped,  reticulated,  very  slightly  serrate  or  repand 
on  the  margin,  each  bearing  a  grain,  of  which  one  is  much  larg- 
er than  the  other  two. — Rubbish  and  cultivated  grounds. — June. 
—Perennial. 

RuMEx  oBTusiFOLius.  L.  Bvoad  leaved  Dock, 

Valves  toothed,  one  chiefly  graniferous ;  root 
leaves  heart-shaped,  obtuse  ;  stem  roughish.  Sm. 

Grows  in  the  same  places  as  the  last,  but  is  somewhat  later 
in  its  appearance.  Root  more  divided.  Stem  furrowed,  rough 
near  the  top.  Leaves  large,  oblong,  heart-shaped,  obtuse  at  the 
end  ;  the  petiole  and  midrib  often  red  on  the  upper  side.  Ca- 
lyx leaves  heart-shaped,  reticulated,  furnished  with  long,  subu- 
late teeth,  one  only  bearing  a  full,  distinct  grain. — July. — Peren« 
nial. 

These  two  species,  originally  from  Europe,  are  among  our 
•most  troublesome  Aveeds. 


Chss  VI.     Order  V.  &7 

RuMEx  Britannica.  L,  Fellow  rooted  water  Dock. 

Valves  very  entire,  all  of  them  graniferous ; 
leaves  lanceolate  with  obsolete  sheaths. 

A  tall  species  growing  in  deep  mud  in  watery  situations. 
Leaves  broad-lanceolate,  smooth  and  even.  Stem  fui'rowed, 
surrounded  above  the  joints  with  torn  sheaths,  a  character  M'hich 
distinguishes  it  from  Ruraex  verticillatus,  another  aquatic  spe- 
cies with  long  tubular  sheaths.  Valves  of  tlie  calyx  large, 
heart-shaped,  entire,  each  bearing  a  grain.— July. — Perennial. 

RuMEx  AcETosELLA.  L.  Sorrel.    Sheep^s  sorrel. 

Flowers  dioecious,  leaves  lanceolate,  hastate ; 
calyx  valves  without  grains. 

A  common  and  unprofitable  intruder  into  every  species  of 
ground,  but  particularly  such  as  are  dry  and  sandy.  The  root 
leaves  furnish  a  good  example  of  the  halberd  shape  or  hastate 
form.  Flowers  in  panicled  racemes,  small,  with  stamens  and 
styles  on  distinct  plants.  Valves  ovate,  entire,  destitute  of 
grains.  The  acid  properties  of  the  plant  are  well  kno's^Ti.T— 
May. — Perennial. 

POLVGrJVM. 

110.     ALISMA. 
Alisma  Plantago.  L.  Water  plantaia. 

Leaves   ovate,  acute,  capsules  obtusely  three 
cornered.  Sm. 

Common  in  small  ponds  and  ditches.  Leaves  radical,  peti- 
©led,  ovate,  acute,  smooth,  nerved,  entire.  Panicle  decompound, 
its  branches  given  off .  in  whorls  with  bractes.  Flowers  with 
three  calyx  leaves  and  three  deciduous  petals  of  a  purplish 
white.  Capsules  three  cornered,  obtuse. — Jtme,  July. — Peren- 
nial. 


88  Class  Yll,     Order  I. 

Class  VII.    HEPTANDRIA.  Seven  stamens. 

Order  I.      MOJ^OGYJVM.     One  style. 

111.  Trientalis.  Calyx  seven  Veaved;  co- 
rolla seven  parted^  equal ;  berry  one  celled,  juice- 
less. 


HEPTANDRIA. 

MOJSrOGYJ^M. 

111.    TRIENTALIS. 

Trientalis  Europ^a.  L,  Chickweed  wintergreen. 

A  plant  seldom  exceeding  half  a  foot  in  height,  having  its 
leaves  chiefly  in  a  tuft  or  whorl  at  the  top,  with  one  or  more 
white  star-like  blossoms  above.  Leaves  lanceolate,  entire, 
smooth,  pointed.  Flowers  on  filiform  peduncles.  The  num- 
ber of  stamens  and  divisions  of  the  calyx  and  coi'olla  is  common- 
ly seven,  but  often  varies  to  six  or  eight. — In  low  woods,  partic- 
ularly among  the  pine  trees  on  Craigie's  road. — May,  June.— 
Perennial. 


Class  Vin.     Order  HI.  89 


Class  VIII.     OCTANDRIA.    Eight  stamens. 

Order  I.        MOJVOGI.N'M.         One  style. 

113.  Epilobium.  Calyx  four  cleft,  tubular,  su- 
perior; corolla  four  petalled;  capsule  oblong;  seeds 
feathered. 

113.  CEnothera.  Calyx  four  cleft,  tubular, 
superior ;  corolla  four  petalled  ;  capsule  four  cell- 
ed, four  valved ;  seeds  naked. 

114.  Rhexia.  Calyx  four  cleft,  inferior ;  co- 
rolla four  petalled ;  anthers  curved  ;  capsule  four 
celled,  in  the  body  of  the  calyx. 

115.  Vaccinium.  Calyx  superior,  four  tooth- 
ed'j^  corolla  mouopetalous  ;  stamens  inserted  on  the 
receptacle ;  berry  four  celled,  many  seeded. 

Order  III.       TRIGFJVM.       Three  styles. 

116.  Polygonum.  Calyx  five  parted,  resem- 
bling a  corolla  ;  corolla  none ;  seed  one,  angular, 
inclosed  in  the  calyx  ;  stamens  and  pistils  irregular 
in  number. 

IS 


90  Class  YllL     Order  1. 


OCTVNDRIA. 

MOJVOGYJVM, 

112.  EPILOBIUM. 

Epilobium  angustifolium.  L.  Spiked  Willow  herb. 

Leaves      scattered,     linear-lanceolate,    entire^ 
veiny  ;  flowers  unequal.  Ait. 

Syn.     Epilobium  sPicAfuiX.  Pers.  Muhl. 

A  tall  plant  bearing  a  profusion  of  blue  flowers.  Stem 
round,  erect,  \yith  alternate  branches  near  the  top.  Leaves  nar- 
row, lanceolate,  smooth,  glaucous  underneath,  nearly  sessile.. 
Racemes  terminal,  leafless.  Flowers  on  footstalks  ;  petals  four, 
irregular,  standing  on  the  long,  whitish,  or  glaucous  germ. 
When  the  pods  are  opening  the  plant  appears  covered  with  the 
down  of  the  seeds. — In  woods  and  low  grounds.  A  large  quan- 
tity grows  near  Brighton  new  road. — June,  July. — Perennial. 

Epilobium  ooloratum.  Muhl.  Coloured  Willow  herb. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  serrulate,  petioled,  opposite, 
the  upper  ones  alternate  ;  stem  round,  pubescent. 

A  more  branching  plant  than  the  foregoing.  Stem  erect, 
round,  with  opposite  pubescent  branches.  Leaves  lanceolate, 
glabrous,  their  veins  often  of  a  red  colour,  on  short  petioles,  the 
bases  of  which  unite  round  the  stem  in  an  elevated  line.  Flow- 
ers axillary,  purple,  regular,  with  very  long,  linear  germs. — 

Meadows  and  swamps. — July,  August. — Perennial. 

If 

113.  'CENOTHERA. 

(Enothera  BIENNIS.  L.  Tree  pHmrose. 

Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  flat ;  stem  a  little  rug- 


Class  VIII.     Order  I.  91 

ged  and  villous  ;  stamens  shorter  than  the  corolla. 
Willd. 

The  large,  yellow  flowers  of  tlys  plant  are  frequently  seen 
overtopping  the  fences  by  which  they  grow,  during  most  of  the 
•  summer.  In  the  country  it  is  vulgarly  known  by  the  name  ol 
Scabishf  a  corruption  probably  of  Scabious,  from  which  howev- 
er it  is  a  very  different  plant.  Stem  from  three  to  five  feet 
high,  rough,  hairy,  and  branching.  Root  leaves  petioled  ;  stem 
leaves  sessile  ;  both  pubescent,  slightly  toothed.  Flowers  sol- 
itary, axillary.  Germ  sessile,  four  grooved,  surmounted  by  the 
long,  tubular  calyx,  which  divides  into  four  reflexed  segments  ; 
petals  large,  roundish,  sometimes  emarginate.  This  plant, 
originally  American,  is  now  naturalized,  and  very  common 
throughout  Europe. — Biennial. 

(Enothera  pumila.  L.  Dwarf  tree  primrose. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  very  entire,  obtuse  ;  cap- 
sules slightly  pedicelled,  elliptic -obovate,  angular. 
Willd. 

Stem  oblique  at  base,  ascending,  round,  slender,  about  a 
foot  high.  Leaves  sessile,  blunt.  Flowers  small,  nearly  ses- 
sile>  in  a  leafy  spike.  Petals  inversely  heart-shaped.  Stamens 
shoiier  than  the  corolla.  Capsules  inversely  ovate,  with  eight 
angles. — Pastures. — Perennial. 

114.    RHEXIA. 
Rhexia  Vikginica.  L,  Virginian  Rhexia. 

Stem  with  four  winged  angles  ;  leaves  sessile, 
oval-lanceolate,  serrate-ciliate,  calyx  witli  glandular 
hairs. 

Stem  square  with  membranous  angles.  Leaves  opposite, 
oval,  three  nerved,  with  scattered  hairs  on  both  sides  and  on  the 


92  Class  VIII.     Order  I. 

margin.  Peduncles  axillary  and  terminal.  Calyx  urn-shapedj 
hairy  ; "  petals  purple  and  finely  contrasted  with  the  long,  crook- 
ed, yellow  anthers. — Low  grounds. — July,  August. — Perennial. 

115.    VACCINIUM. 
Vaccinium  macrocarpon.  Mt.  Craneberry. 

Leaves  evergreen,  entire,  ovalr oblong,  obtuse  ; 
stems  filiform,  creeping.  Jlit.  abr. 

Syn.     Vaccinium  oxrcoccus  oblongifoUus.  Mich. 

The  craneberry  vine  spreads  in  large  beds  at  the  bottom  of 
the  grass  in  turfy  meadows.  Stems  slender,  creeping.  Leaves 
ijumerous,  small,  dark  above,  whitish  underneath.  Flower 
stalks  axillary,  slender  ;  corollas  white,  their  segments  long  and 
refiexed.  Anthers  projecting.  The  fruit  is  large,  and  esteem- 
ed superior  to  the  European  craneberry. — Perennial. 

Vaccinium  resinosum.  L.       Black  Whortleberry  or  Huckle- 
berry. 

Racemes  bracted  ;  corollas  ovate  ;  leaves  ellip- 
tic, somewhat  acute,  entire,  deciduous,  sprinkled 
with  resinous  dots  underneath.  *.Ht> 

The  leaves  of  this  very  common  shrub  are  oval,  the  young 
ones  acute,  the  older  ones  blunt ;  their  under  surface  covered 
with  shining,  adhesive,  i-esinous  particles.  Flowers  in  lateral 
clusters.  Corolla  five  cornered,  ovate,  contracted  at  the  mouth, 
of  a  dull  reddish  green.  Fruit  globular,  black,  sweet. — Woods 
and  hills. — June. 

Vaccinium  couymbosum.  L.  Bilberry.    Blueberry. 

Corymbs  bracted  ;  corollas  somewhat  cylindri- 
cal ;  leaves  lance- elliptic,  nearly  entire,  acute,  pUr 
bescent  underneath. 

Syn.      Vaccinium  amoenum.  Ait. 

Va^CISIUM  CHrOMOSPHUM.    Mich 


Class  Yin.    Order  III,  9^ 

This  shrub,  like  some  others  of  the  genus  to  which  it  be- 
longs, varies  considerably  in  size,  and  scgnetimes  rises  into  a  small 
tree.  The  leaves  are  oblong-oval,  acute,  mucronated,  obsolete- 
ly  serrulate,  paler  and  somewhat  dovmy  underneath.  The  flow- 
ers, which  appear  early  in  May,  before  the  leaves  are  fully  ex- 
panded, are  oblong,  larger  than  in  the  last  species,  white,-  acid 
to  the  taste,  containing  much  honey.  They  grow  in  lateral 
clusters  or  corymbs,  and  make  a  handsome  appearance.  Ber- 
ries sweet,  acid. — Swamps  and  wet  pastures. — Perennial.  • 

TRIGYJyM. 

116.     POLYGONUM. 
Polygonum  aviculare.  L.  Knot  grass. 

Stem  procumbent,  herbaceous  ;  leaves  lance- 
oval  ;  flowers  axillary,  subsessile,  with  eight  sta- 
mens and  three  styles. 

A  hardy  weed  growing  every  where,  and  even  common 
among  the  bricks  and  paving  stones.  Steni  slender,  spreading, 
striated,  interrupted  with  frequent  joints,  branching  ;  the  joints 
furnished  with  short  stipules.  Leaves  oblong-oval,  smooth. 
Flowers  minute,  white,  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves. — All  summer. 
— Perennial. 

Polygonum  hydropiper.  L.     '  Water  pepper. 

Stamens  six ;  styles  two,  half  united ;  leaves 
lanceolate,  spotless,  waved ;  spike  filiform,  nodding  ; 
stem  erect.  Sm. 

Well  known  for  its  intense  acrimony.  Leaves  lanceolate, 
chiefly  smooth.  Stipules  loose,  glabrous,  fringed  with  hairs  at 
top.  Spikes  of  flov/ers,  slender  and  nodding.  Michaux  ob- 
served eight,  and  never  less  than  seven  stamens  in  this  plant  in 
America. — ^Rubbish  in  low  grounds,  ditches,  kc. — August,  Sep- 
tember.— Annual. 


94  Class  VIII.     Order  III. 

Polygonum  Persicaria.  L.  Spotted  Polygonum. 

Stamens  six ;  styles  two,  half  united;  spikes 
ovate-oblong,  erect ;  peduncles  smooth ;  stipules 
ciliate.   Curt. 

This  plant  is  without  acrimony.  Leaves  spreading,  lanceo- 
late, acute,  and  commonly  marked  with  a  dark  spot,  somewhat 
heart-shaped,  in  the  centre.  Stipules  tubular,  short,  ciliated  at 
top.  *  Spikes  terminal,  on  smooth  footstalks,  erect,  oblpng. 
Flowers  rose  coloured. — In  the  same  soils  as  the  last. — July, 
August. — Annual. 

Polygonum  sAGiTTATUM,  L.  Scratch  grass. 

Stem  prickly  backward ;  leaves  sagittate ;  flow- 
ers in  heads,  with  eight  stamens  and  three  styles. 
Mich, 

Stem  slender,  four  angled,  the  angles  I'ough  backward  with 
small  prickles.  Leaves  arrow-shaped,  oblong,  on  short  peti- 
oles, the  petiole  and  mid  rib  rough  backward.  Flowers  in 
small  heads  on  the  ends  of  the  branches,  white  or  purplish. — 
Wet  ground. — July. — Annual. 

Polygonum  arIfolium.  L.  Hastate  Polygonum. 

Stem  prickly  backward  ;  leaves  hastate;  spikes 
few  flowered,  flowers  distinct,  with  six  stamens  and 
two  styles.  Mich. 

Stem  as  in  the  last.     Leaves  halberd-shaped,  twice  as  large 
'  as  the  last,  thin  and  tender.     The  stem  terminates  with  a  few 
sf^parate,  pale,  reddish  flowers. — Found  in  a  marshy  spot  near 
Swe,et  Auburn,  Cambridge. — June,  July. — Annual. 

Polygonum  convolvulus.  L.  Black  bindweed. 

Leaves  heart- arrow  shaped  ;  stem  twining,  an- 
gular ;  segments  of  the  calyx  bluntly  keeled.    Sm. 


Class  VIII.     Order  UI,  95 

Stem  twining,  climbing  on  other  plants.  Leaves  alternate, 
petioled,  heart-shaped,  with  the  hinder  lobes  acute.  Branches 
axillary.  Flowers  in  terminal,  interrupted  spikes  wlutish,  the 
three  principal  segments  of  the  calyx  furnished  with  a  keel,  but 
not  winged.  Flowers  all  summer  in  waste  and  cultivated 
ground.— Annual . 

Polygonum  soandens.  L.  Climbing  Polygonum. 

Leaves  heart-shaped  ;   stem  twining,  angular ; 
segments  of  the  calyx  winged. 

Stem  smooth,  climbing.  Leaves  petioled,  heart-shaped, 
with  a  deep  sinus,  acuminate.  Branches  axillary.  Flowers  in 
Jong  leafy  racemes.  Calyx  much  larger  than  in  the  last  spe- 
cies, with  three  broad,  membranous  expansions,  corresponding  to 
the  angles  of  the  seed. —Cambridge. — August. — Perennial. 


96  Class  IX.     Order  t 

Class  IX.      ENNEANDRIA.    Mne'stamens, 

Order  I.        MOMOGYJ^M.         One  ^tyle. 

117.  Laurus.  Calyx  none  ;  corolla  six  part- 
ed, resembling  a  calyx  ;  nectary  three  glands j  sur- 
rounding the  germ,  each  ending  in  two  bristles  ;  in- 
ner filaments  with  two  glands  each ;  drupe  one 
seeded. 


Class  IX.     Order  I.  97 

ENNEANDRIA. 

MOJrOGFJVM. 

117.  LAURUS. 
Laurus  BENjeoiN.  L.  Fever  hush.     Spice  wood. 

Leaves  obovate,  entire,  annual ;  flowers   dice- 
cious. 

Syn.     Laurus  Pseudo-benzoin.  Mich. 

An  aromatic  shrub  with  a  flavour  resembling  Benzoin.  Ear- 
ly in  May  before  the  leaves  appear,  it  puts  out  tufts  of  small, 
yellow  flowers  from  the  sides  of  the  branches.  The  leaves  are 
oval  or  inversely  ovate,  pale  underneath,  and  somewhat  pubes- 
cent. Berries  red.  It  grows  in  low  situations  at  Brighton  and 
elsewhere,  but  it  is  not  very  common  in  the  environs  of  Boston. 

Laurus  Sassafras.  L.  Sassafras  ires. 

Leaves  deciduous,  entire,  and  lobed,  flowers  di- 
oecious. Mich. 

In  favourable  situations  the  Sassafras  rises  into  a  pretty  large 
tree.  The  bark  of  the  young  twigs  is  smooth  and  green.  The 
leaves  are  partly  oval,  and  partly'in  two  or  three  large  lobes,  en- 
tire on  their  margin,  and  downy  underneath.  Flowers  greenish 
yellow,  appearing  in  May  and  June  in  drooping  clusters  at  the 
end  of  the  last  year's  shoots.  They  are  commonly  dioecious. 
Fruit  oval,  blue. 

The  whole  of  the  Sassafras  tree  has  a  strong,  spicy  flavour, 
which  is  most  powerful  in  the  bark  of  the  root.  The  young 
twigs,  and  especially  the  pith|iibound  in  mucilage.  When  first 
introduced  into  Europe  it  acquired  great  medicinal  reputation, 
and  was  sold  at  the  high  price  of  fifty  livres  per  pound.  An 
express  treatise  entitled  Sassafrasologia  was  written  to  celebrate 
its  virtues.  Its  properties  however  appear  to  be  those  which 
are  common  to  other  warm  aromatics. 
13 


98  Class  X,     Order  L 


Class  X.  DECANDRIA.     Ten  stamens. 

Order  I.      MOJ^OGYJ^M.     One  style. 

A.     Flowers  monofietalous. 

118.  Epig^a.  Calyx  double  ;  the  outer  three 
leaved,  the  inner  five  parted  ;  corolla  salver  shap- 
ed ;  capsule  five  celled. 

119.  Gaultheria.  Calyx  double;  the  outer 
two  leaved,  the  inner  five  cleft ;  corolla  ovate ;  cap- 
sule five  celled,  covered  by  the  inner  calyx,  which 
becomes  similar  to  a  berry. 

ISO.  Arbutus.  Calyx  five  parted  ;  corolla 
ovate,  pellucid  at  the  base ;  bei'ry  superior,  five 
celled. 

131.  Andromeda.  Calyx  five  parted  ;  corolla 
ovate ;  capsule  superior,  five  celled,  the  partitions 
from  the  middle  of  the  valves. 

123.  E-HODoDENDRON.  Calyx  five  parted ;  co- 
rolla somewhat  funnel  form  ;  stamens  declined ; 
capsule  five  celled. 

133.  Kalmia.  Calyx  five  parted ;  corolla  sal- 
ver shaped,  with  ten  prominences  underneath,  and 
the  border  five  horned  ;  capsule  five  celled. 


B.     Floivers  wzmzy  Retailed. 

134.  PoDALYRiA.  Corolla  papilionaceous;  keel 
compressed,  somewhat  longer  than  the  banner  :  le- 
q;ume  inflated,  many  seeded. 


Class  X.     Order  III.  99 

135.  Cassia.  Corolla  unequal,  five  petalled  ; 
three  upper  anthers  barren,  three  lower  ones  beak- 
ed ;  loment  flat. 

126.  Rhodora.  Calyx  five  toothed;  corolla 
three  petalled,  unequal ;  stamens  declined ;  cap- 
sule five  celled. 

137'  Clethra.  Calyx  five  leaved  ;  petals 
five  ;  stigma  three  parted ;  capsule  three  celled 
three  valved. 

128.  Pyrola.  Calyx  five  leaved ;  petals  five  ; 
capsule  superior,  opening  at  the  angles,  many  seed- 
ed. 

129.  MoNOTROPA.  Calyx  none ;  petals  ten, 
the  five  outer  ones  gibbous  at  the  base  ;  capsule 
five  valved  ;  a  fifth  part  of  the  fructification  often 
\vanting.  ^ 

Order  II.    niGFJSTM.     Two  styles. 

130.  ScLERANTHUs.  Calyx  five  cleft,  inferior  1 
corolla  none  ;  seeds  two,  inclosed  in  the  calyx. 

1^1.  Saxifraga.  Calyx  five  parted  ;  corolla 
five  petalled  ;  capsule  two  beaked,  one  celled  ;  ma- 
ny seeded. 

133.  DiANTHUS.  Calyx  tubular  with  scales  at 
the  base  ;  petals  five,  with  claws  ;  capsule  cylindri- 
cal, superior,  one  celled. 

Order  III.       TRIGFJVM.     Three  styles. 

133.  Arenaria.  Calyx  five  leaved,  spreading; 
petals  five,  entire ;  capsule^  superior,  one  celled, 
many  seeded. 


400  Class  X.     Order  YL 

134.  Stellaria.  Calyx  five  leaved,  spread- 
ing ;  petals  five,  deeply  cloven ;  capsule  superior, 
one  celled,  many  seeded. 

135.  SiLENE.  Calyx  one  leafed,  swelling;  pe. 
tals  five,  with  claws,  crowned  at  the  mouth ;  capsule 
superior,  three  celled,  many  seeded. 

136.  CucuBALUs.  Calyx  one  leafed,  inflated  ; 
petals  five  with  claws,  not  crowned  ;  capsule  supe- 
rior, three  celled. 

Order  V.       TEM'TAGYJ^M.     Five  styles. 

137.  Penthorum.  Calyx  five  or  ten  cleft; 
petals  five  or  none  ;  capsule  five  celled,  five  beak- 
ed. 

138.  Cerastium.  Calyx  five  leaved;  petals 
five,  cloven  ;  capsule  superior,  one  celled,  ten  tooth- 
ed. 

139.  Spergula.  Calyx  five  leaved ;  petals 
five,  undivided ;  capsule  superior,  ovate,  one  celled, 
fivevalved. 

Order  Yl.    BECAGVJVM.     Ten  styles. 

140.  Phytolacca.  Calyx  five  leaved,  resem^ 
bling  a  corolla  ;  corolla  none ;  berry  superior,  ten 
seeded. 


CAass  X.     Order  I.  lOl 


DECANDRIA. 

MOJVOGrJYIJ. 

118.  EPIG^A. 

EpiGiEA.  REPENS.  L.  Grouiid  laiireL 

Leaves  heart-ovate,  entire ;  corollas  cylindrical. 
Sw. 

Stem  woody,  trailing,  hairy.  Leaves  alternate,  oblong,  heart- 
ed at  base,  hairy  and  rough,  with  hairy  petioles.  Flowers  pur- 
ple, flesh  coloured,  or  white,  in  terminal  or  axillary  bunches,  of 
from  two  to  six,  on  hairy  peduncles.  Calyx  double.  Corolla 
salver  shaped,  longer  than  the  calyx,  hairy  within. — It  grows  in 
woods.— April,  May. 

119.    GAULTHERIA. 

Gaultheria  pbocumbens.  L.  Partridge  berry. 

Stem  woody,  trailing ;    leaves   obovate,  some- 
what serrate. 

A  plant  universally  known  for  its  pleasant,  aromatic  flavour. 
Stem  small,  creeping.  Leaves  few  on  a  stem,  smooth,  ever- 
green, oval  with  a  tapering  base,  furnished  with  a  few  acumin- 
ate serratures.  Flowers  ntostly  solitary,  axillary,  hanging  from 
the  axils,  white.  Fruit  a  small  capsule,  surrounded  with  the 
calyx,  which  becomes  large,  fleshy,  and  red,  resembling  a  ber^ 
ry. — Woods. — June. 

120.     ARBUTUS. 

Arbutus  uva  ursi.  L,  Bear  berry. 

Stem  procumbent ;  leaves  entire.  L, 


103  Class  X.     Order  I, 

A  hardy,  trailing  evergreen.     Stems  long  and  woody,  form-  ■ 
ing  beds  of  considerable  size.     Leaves  obovate,  entire,  coria- 
ceous, rounded  or  reflexed  on  the  margin.     Flowers  in  small 
bunches,  drooping,  rose  coloured.     Berries  red,  remaining  long 
on  their  stalks. — Woods,  Concord,  Milton,  Sec. — June. 

The  leaves  are  astringent,  and  in  considerable  use  as  a  me- 
dicinal article. 

121.    ANDROMEDA. 

Andromeda  caltculata.  L.  Dwarf  Jlndromeda. 

Racemes  leaning  one  way,  leafy  ;  corollas  sub- 
cylindrical  ;  leaves  alternate,  lanceolate,  obtuse, 
dotted.  L. 

A  low,  evergreen,  early  flowering  shrub.  Leaves  oblong, 
coriaceous,  obsoletely  serrate,  shining,  and  covered  with  white 
dots  above,  pale  underneath.  Flowers  in  terminal  racemes, 
each  flower  proceeding  from  the  axil  of  a  small  leaf.  Calyx  ca- 
lyculated.  Corolla  ovate-cylindrical,  white  or  purplish.— .Mil- 
ton, near  Neponsct  river,  and  elsewhere. — April. 

Andromeda  paniculata.  Mich,  Panicled  tindromeda. 

Racemes  somewhat  panicled ;  corollas  depres- 
sed-globular, slightly  pubescent;  anthers  short, 
ovate,  obtuse,  awnless.  Mich.  abr. 

A  pretty  tall  shrub.  Leaves  deciduous,  ovate,  mostly 
entire,  somewhat  downy.  Racemes  panicled.  Flowers  small, 
white,  somewhat  spherical,  succeeded  by  globular  capsules, 
which  remain  through  the  winter.  This  plant  often  bears  a 
large,  irregular,  spongy  excrescence  of  a  yellow  colour,  the 
effect  of  disease. — Swamps. — .June. 

122.  RHODODENDRON. 

Rrododendron  maximum.  L,  Hosebay  Laurel. 

Leaves  oblong,  glabrous,  paler  beneath ;  umbels 


Class  X.     Order  I.  103 

dense,  terminal ;    corollas  somewhat  bell  shaped, 
petals  rounded. 

We  have  no  shrub  that  surpasses  the  Rhododendron  hi  ele- 
gance. With  us  it  hardly  rises  to  a  tree.  Its  leaves  are  larg- 
er than  most  of  our  evergreens,  smooth  and  coriaceous,  oblong, 
inclining  to  wedge  form.  The  flowers  grow  in  large,  compact, 
terminal  umbels ;  segments  of  the  calyx  obtuse ;  corolla  of  a 
light  rose  colour,  spreading,  deeply  five  cleft,  the  segments 
rounded  and  concave. — Found  in  Dedham. — July. 

123.     KALMIA. 

Kalmia  1/Atifoha.  L,  Broad  leaved  laurel. 

Leaves  ovate- elliptical,  in  threes,  and  scattered; 
corymbs  terminal.  L. 

A  large  and  very  ornamental  shrub,  sometimes  rising  into  a 
tree.  Leaves  petioled,  nearly  oval,  smooth,  shining  and  coria- 
ceous. Flowers  in  large  corymbs  on  the  ends  of  the  branches. 
Corollas  white,  inclining  to  a  rose  colour,  consisting  of  a  tube 
longer  than  the  calyx,  and  a  spreading,  concave  border,  with 
ten  depressions  below,  and  divided  mto  five  segments  at.  top. 
The  wood  is  dense  and  hard,  and  used  by  mechanics  as  a  sub- 
stitute for  box.  Taken  internally  the  plant  is  poisonous.  It 
has  been  used  medicinally  with  advantage. — Grows  at  Milton 
and  Chelmsford  in  small  qu^uitities  ;  at  Cape  Ann  in  great  pro- 
fusion.— June,  July. 

Kalmia  angustifolia.  L.  JVarroio  leaved  laurel. 

Leaves  lanceolate  ;  corymbs  lateral.  L. 

A  low  shrub  with  rose  coloured  flowers,  very  common  in 
low  grounds,  and  known  by  the  names  s/iee/i  fioiso7i,  lambkill.^ 
loiu  laurel^  Sec.  Leaves  on  short  petioles,  scattered  or  in  threes^ 
lanceolate,  obtuse,  smooth,  evergreen.  Flowers  in  lateral  co^ 
rymbs,  proceeding  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves  and  forming  a 


lOli  Class  X.     Order  I. 

sort  of  whorl  round  the  stem.    Properties  like  the  last. — June. 
124.     PODALYRIA. 

PODALYRIA  TINCfTORIA.     WUld.  Wild  iudigO. 

Glabrous ;  stipules  setaceous ;  leaves  subses- 
sile  ;  leafets  wedge- obovate ;  flowers  in  terminal 
spikes.  Mich,  abr. 

Syn.       SoPHORA   flNCTORIA.    L. 

A  very  common,  bushy  plant,  found  in  woods  and  dry  soils. 
Stem  smooth,  very  much  branched.  Leaves  in  threes  on  a 
short  petiole  ;  leafets  rounded  at  the  end,  and  tapering  to  an 
acute  base.  Stipules  very  small,  caducous.  Flowers  in  a 
loose  spike,  on  slender  peduncles,  yellow.  Legumes  short, 
rounded,  of  a  bluish  cast. — August. — Perennial. 

For  the  medicinal  properties  of  this  plant,  see  Dr.  Thatch- 
er's Dispensatory. 

125.    CASSIA. 
Cassia  Cham^orista.  L.  Dwarf  Cassia. 

Leaves  in  many  pairs ;  petiole  with  a  pedicel- 
led  gland  ;  stipules  ensiform.  L. 

Leaves  pinnate,  with  ten  or  a  dozen  pair  of  leafets ;  the  pe- 
tiole with  a  small  gland  supported  on  a  footstalk  near  its  base. 
Flowers  often  in  pairs,  near  the  stem,  yellow,  two  of  the  petals 
spotted  at  base.  Like  others  of  its  family  it  shuts  its  leaves  at 
night,  or  after  an  injury. — Road  sides. — August. — Annual. 

126.    RHODORA. 

Rhodora  Canadensis.  L.  Canadian  Rliodora^ 

A  small  shrub  with  handsome  blue  or  reddish  flowers, 
which  appear  in  the  spring  before  the  leaves  are  perfectly  ex- 
panded.    Its  height  is  one  or  two  feet.    Leaves  alternate,  oval, 


Class.  X.     Order  I.  105 

mostly  entire,  pubescent  and  glaucous  underneath.  The  flow- 
ers are  in  umbels  on  the  ends  of  the  twigs.  The  corolla  coa- 
sists  of  three  unequal  petals,  the  largest  of  which  is  broad,  and 
divided  into  three  segments  or  lobes  at  the  end,  the  other  two 
are  equal,  lanceolate,  and  obtuse. — Low  grounds. — Maiden, 
Cambridge.— May. 

127.     CLETHRA. 

Clethra  alnifolia.  L.  Aider  leaved  Clethra. 

Leaves  obovate,  serrate,  pubescent  underneath  ; 
racemes  simple,  bracted.   Willd. 

A  tall,  elegant,  white  flowering  shrub.  Leaves  about  three 
inches  long,  and  from  one  to  two  broad,  inversely  ovate,  serrate, 
downy  underneath  in  one  variety,  glabrous  in  another.  Flowers 
in  long  racemes  or  loose  spikes  with  downy  stalks.— Grows 
in  low  soils,  Cambridgeport. — July,  August.  * 

128.    PYROLA. 
Pyrola  rotundifolia.  L.  Round  leaved  Winter  green. 

Stamens  ascending,  pistil  declined,  raceme  ma- 
ny flowered.  Sm. 

A  very  common  species.  Root  creeping,  putting  up  erec,t 
or  ascending,  angular  stems.  Leaves  petioled,  almost  round, 
scarcely  serrate,  smooth,  spreading.  Flowers  in  a  long  cluster 
terminating  the  stem,  white,  fragrant.  The  stamens  are  uni- 
formly bent  upward,  and  the  style  downward. — Found  every 
where  in  woods. — 'June. 

Pyrola  secunda.  L,  One  sided  Winter  green. 

Flowers  racemed,  leaning  one  way.  L. 

Less  frequent  than  the  former,   but  resembling  it  in  habit. 
Stem  as  in  the  last.     Leaves  petioled,  spreading,  ovate,  acute, 
(not  obtuse  like  the  last,)  minutely  serrate,  smooth.     The  flow- 
14 


106  Class  X,     Order  I. 

ers  all  tend  to  one  side  of  the  stem,  whence  the  name.  Sta- 
mens equal  and  unifoi-m  ;  style  straight,  permanent. — Woods. 
— June. 

Pyrola  umbellata.  L.  Umbelled  Winter  green. 

Flowers  in  a  sort  of  umbel.  L. 

Equally  common  with  the  first,  and  known  by  the  names  of 
Rheu77iatism  weed,  Phi/isewa  or  Wi/iseivog;  See.  Root  creep- 
ing extensively.  Stems  ascending,  hard  and  woody  at  base. 
Leaves  mostly  in  bunches  or  whorls,  lanceolate,  somewhat 
wedge-shaped,  sharply  serrate,  decurrent  on  the  petiole, 
smooth,  firm,  and  coriaceous.  Flowers  in  an  imperfect  umbel, 
or  rather  corymb,  of  from  three  to  six;  variegated  with  purple 
and  white,  drooping.  Stigma  large,  obtuse,  sessile,  moist  on 
the  top. — i Woods. — July. 

129.     MONOTROPA. 
MoNOTROPA  LANUGINOSA.  Mich.  DowHy  BirdsmsU 

Stem  with  spiked  flowers  ;  bractes  and  flowers 
woolly.  Mich, 

A  fleshy,  white  plant.  Stem  erect,  leafy,  simple.  Leaves 
whitish,  resembling  scales,  frequent  at  base,  longer  and  more 
scattered  above.  Flowers  mostly  of  eight  petals,  whitish,  cov- 
ered with  fine  wool,  leaning  one  way,  drooping. — Woods,  Rox- 
bury. — June. 

MoNOTRopA  MoRisoNiANA.  Micli.  Upright  Birdsnest. 

Stem  erect,  leaves  distant,  flower  single,  erect. 
L. 

A  white  plant  like  the  last.  Stem  more  slender  and  tall. 
Leaves  more  remote.  The  stem  supports  but  one  flower, 
which  is  large,  erect,  of  ten  petals  and  stamens,  surrounding  a 
large,  globose  germ,  which  supports  a  peltate  stigma. — Woods. 


Class  X.     Order  11.  IO7 

— June,  July. — The  Monotropas  are  said  to  be  parasitic,  sub- 
sisting on  the  roots  of  other  plants. 

DIGYJ^M. 

130.     SCLERANTHUS. 
ScLERANTHUs  ANNUus.  L.  Common  Knawel. 

Calyx  of  the  ripe  fruit  with  sharp,  spreading 
teeth;  stems  spreading.  Sm. 

A  small,  obscure  plant  in  gravelly  soils,  .road  sides,  Sec. 
Stems  spreading,  decumbent,  short.  Leaves  linear,  acute, 
short,  opposite.  Flowers  green,  sessile,  in  terminal,  leafy  clus- 
ters. Calyx  with  five  acute,  spreading,  permanent  segments. 
Stamens  from  five  to  ten. — ^July. — Annual. 

131.     SAXIFRAGA. 
Saxifraga  vERNALis.  Willd.  Early  Saxifru^e. 

Pubescent;  leaves  oval,  somewhat  petioled, 
crenate  ;  jB^owers  erect,  panicled,  nearly  sessile,  al- 
ternate. 

Sijii.     Saxifraga  Virginiensis.  Mich. 

One  of  the  earliest  flowers  upon  rocks  and  dry  hills. 
Leaves  mostly  radical,  spreading,  fleshy,  elliptical,  a  little  pu- 
bescent, crenate  or  serrate,  and  tapering  into  a  broad  petiole. 
Stem  erect,  fleshy,  hairy,  nearly  destitute  of  leaves.  Flowers 
numerous,  crowded,  white,  arranged  in  corymbs  on  the  ends 
of  the  branches,  which,  collectively  form  a  sort  of  panicle. 
— April,  May, — Perennial. 

Sa,xifraga  Pennsylvanioa.  L.       Pennsylvanian  Saxifrage. 

Leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  a  little  hairy,  denti- 
culate ;  stem  naked ;  peduncles  alternate,  forming 
corymbed  Leads.    Willd, 


108  Class  X.     Order  III. 

A  tall,  green  plant,  of  little  beauty,  growing  in  meadows. 
Leaves  all  radical,  five  or  six  times  larger  than  in  the  preceding 
species,  oblong,  approaching  to  oval,  very  slightly  toothed. 
Stems  large,  erect,  rank  in  their  growth,  bearing  heads  of  small, 
green  flowers,  disposed  in  a  sort  of  panicle, — May. — Peren- 
nial. 

132.  DIANTHUS. 

DiANTHus  Armeria.  L.  Wild  Pink. 

Flowers  aggregate,  fascicled ;  scales  of  the 
calyx  lanceolate,  villous,  equal  to  the  tube.  Sm, 

This  small  species  of  pink  has  a  leafy,  pubescent  stem,  end- 
ing in  erect  branches.  Leaves  opposite,  linear-lanceolate,  en- 
tire, pubescent,  the  lower  ones  spatulate.  Flowers  terminal, 
in  bunches,  erect,  scentless,  ephemeral.  Calyx  equalling 
the  tube  of  the  corolla  ;  petals  small,  red,  with  white  dots,  a  lit- 
tle toothed, — On  the  rocky  hills  in  Roxbury  and  Salem.— July. 
Annual. 

133.  ARENARIA. 

Arenaria  rubra.  L,  Cmnnwn  sandwort. 

Leaves  linear,  slightly  mucronate,  stipules 
membranous,  sheathing ;  seeds  compressed,  angu- 
lar, roughish.  Sm. 

A  spreading  plant,  with  small,  delicate,  red  flowers.  Stems 
prostrate,  slender,  smooth,  pointed,  branching.  Leaves  small, 
narrow,  ending  in  a  short  bristle.  Stipules  surrounding  the 
stem,  whitish,  dry.  Flower  stalks  and  calyx  hairy.  Petals 
small,  not  exceeding  the  calyx.— Pastures  and  road  sides.—. 
June,  July. 


Class  X.      Order  111.  109 

Arenaria  marina.  Sm.  Sea  sandivort. 

Leaves  semicylindrical,  fleshy,  awnless  ;  sti- 
pules scarious,  sheathing  ;  seeds  compressed,  mar- 
gined, glabrous.  Sm. 

A  more  succulent,  fleshy  plant  than  the  last.  Stems  pros- 
trate or  decumbent,  smooth.  Leaves  short,  fleshy,  roundish, 
not  ending  in  a  bristle.  Flowers  pale  red,  expanded  as  well 
as  the  last  in  clear  weather,  and  closed  in  foul.  Salt  marshes. 
—July. — By  some  this  is  considered  a  variety  of  the  last. 

Arenaria  lateriflora.  L.  Side  flowering  sandwort. 

Leaves  ovate,  obtuse ;  peduncles  lateral,  two 
flowered.  L. 

A  slender,  delicate  species,  with  white  flowers.  Stem 
erect,  smooth,  filiform,  four  or  five  inches  high.  Leaves  op- 
posite, oval,  smooth,  nearly  sessile.  Peduncles  or  flowering 
branches  axillary,  very  slender,  divided  about  half  way,  their 
fork  furnished  with  two  minute  leafets.  Each  part  of  the  fork 
bears  a  flower.— -In  wet  shady  places.— June. — Perennial. 

134.     STELLARIA. 
Stellaria  media.  Sm.  Chickweed. 

Leaves  ovate,  stems  procumbent,  with  an  alter- 
nate, lateral,  hairy  line.  Sm. 

Sijn.     Alsine  media.  L, 

Chickweed  grows  in  almost  every  situation,  even  between 
the  bricks  in  the  side  walks.  Its  spreading  stems  are  remark- 
able for  a  haiiy  line  extending  from  joint  to  joint,  and  occupy- 
ing the  two  sides  alternately.  On  breaking  the  stem  an  elas- 
tic, fibrous  substance  is  drawn  out,  which  retracts  when  liberat- 
ed. Leaves  opposite,  ovate,  petioled,  entire.  Peduncles  axil- 
lary .and  terminal,  one  floAvered.     Petals  white,  deeply  cleft,  so 


110  Class  X.     Order  III. 

as  to  appear  ten  in  number.  Stamens  three,  five,  or  ten.  Cap- 
sules opening  into  six  segments.-— Flowers  from  the  beginning 
of  spring  to  the  end  of  fall. — Annual. 

Stellaria  graminea.  S:n,  Stitchwort. 

Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  enth'e  ;  panicle  ter- 
minal, spreading ;  calyx  tliree  nerved,  about  equal 
to  the  petals.  Sm. 

A  small,  starry,  white  flower.  Stems  decumbent,  smooth, 
very  slender.  Leaves  nearly  linear,  tapering  to  a  point,  oppo- 
site, smooth.  Petals  appearing  in  ten  white,  fine  segments, 
like  those  of  Stellaria  media. — Grows  among  the  bushes  on 
Craigie's  road. — June,  July. 

135.     SILENE. 

SiLENE  Pennsylvanica.  Mich.  Catchfly. 

Viscid-pubescent;  root  leaves  wedge  form, 
stem  leaves  lanceolate ;  partial  stems  few  flower- 
ed ;  petals   slightly  emarginate,  subcrenate.  Mich 

Sometimes  called  luild  Jiink,  from  its  similarity  in  habit  to 
some  of  that  genus.  Leaves  of  the  root  spatulatc,  acute  at  top, 
and  tapering  into  a  long  base  ;  those  of  the  stem  lanceolate,  op- 
posite. Flowers  in  upright,  terminal  bunches.  Calyxes  near- 
ly cylindrical,  hairy,  and  exceedingly  glutinous.  Corollas  pur- 
plish white.— -Found  in  dry,  sandy  soils. — June. 

136.     CUCUBALUS. 

CucuBALus  Behen.  L.  Bladder  campion. 

Calyx  nearly  globular,  smooth,  reticulated  with 
veins ;  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  glaucous,  smooth. 
Sm,  Engl.  Bot. 

Sy7i.     SiLENE  iSFLjrj.  Sm.  F lor.  Brit. 


Class  X.     Order  V.  Ill 

The  inflated,  bladder-like  calyx  at  once  distinguishes  this 
plant  from  every  thing  about  it.  Radical  leaves  spatulate,  stem 
leaves  opposite,  ovate,  acute,  entire.  Stems  one  or  two  feet 
high,  smooth,  panicled.  Flowers  nodding.  Calyx  oblong- 
spherical,  thin,  elegantly  veined.  Petals  white,  spreading,  bi- 
fid.— About  fences  and  waysides. — July. — Perennial. 

PEJ>rTJGVA^M. 

137.     PENTHORUM. 

Penthorum  sedoides.  L.  Penthorum, 

The  only  species  of  its  genus.  Stetn  about  a  foot  high, 
angular.  Leaves  alternate  lance-oval,  serrate,  acute,  green  on 
both  sides.  Flowers  terminal,  in  a  few  revolute  spikes,  of  a 
greenish  yellow.  Capsule  with  five  beaks  at  top. — Wet  ground, 
brook  sides,  8cc.— July. — Perennial. 

138.     CERASTIUM. 

Cerastium  vulgatum.  L.  Mouse  ear  cliickweed. 

Hairy,  viscid,  forming  tufts  ;  leaves  ovate  ;  pe- 
tals equal  to  the  calyx  ;  flowers  longer  than  their 
stalks.  Sm. 

Stems  spreading,  round,  dichotomous.  Leaves  ovate,  op- 
posite. Flowers  from  the  forks  of  the  stem,  crowded  at  the 
ends,  on  peduncles  shorter  than  themselves.  Petals  oblong, 
white,  a  little  longer  than  the  calyx. — In  cultivated  ground.-— 
May. — Annual. 

139.    SPERGULA. 

Spergula  akvensis.  L.  Corn  spurrey. 

Leaves  whorled  j  stalks  of  the  fruit  reflexed ; 
seeds  kidney  shaped,  angular,  rough.  Sm. 

A  weed  in  com  fields,  by  many  of  our  farmers  denominated 


lis  Class  X.     Order  VI. 

tares.  Stems  spreading,  becoming  erect,  smooth,  round, 
swelling  at  the  joints.  Leaves  linear,  obtuse,  in  whorls  at  the 
joints.  Panicle  terminal,  forked,  the  peduncles  bent  down- 
ward as  the  fruit  ripens.  Petals  little  larger  than  the  calyx, 
white. — June  and  after. — Annual. 

I)ECAGFJ\rM. 

140.  PHYTOLACCA. 

Phytolacca  deoandra.  L.  Poke,  Cocum. 

Flowers  with  ten  stamens  and  ten  styles.  L» 

One  of  the  most  common  and  conspicuous  plants  in  waste 
grounds,  by  road  sides,  &c.  Stems  purple,  branching,  six  or 
seven  feet  high.  Leaves  large,  ovate,  acute,  entire.  Flowers 
in  long,  simple  racemes,  of  a  dull  white  ;  succeeded  by  large, 
ilat,  purple  berries,  which  have  been  made  to  furnish  a  perma- 
nent dye.  A  variety  of  medicuial  properties  are  attributed  to 
the  root  of  this  plant. — Flowers  in  July  and  August. — Perennial. 


Class  XI.     Order  III.  118 


Class  XI.     DODECANDRIA.    Twelve  stamens. 
Order  I.        MOJ^OGFJ^TM.        One  style. 

14*1.  PoRTULACA.  Calyx  two  cleft;  corolla, 
jRve  petalled;  capsule  one  celled,  opening  trans- 
versely. 

143.  Lythrum.  Calyx  twelve  toothed  ;  petals 
six,  inserted  into  the  calyx  ;  capsule  two  celled,  ma- 
ny seeded. 

Order  II.        DIGYJ^M.         Two  styles. 

143.  ^GRiMONiA.  Calyx  five  toothed,  invested 
with  an  outer  one  ;  petals  five,  inserted  in  the  calyx ; 
seeds  two  in  the  bottom  of  the  calyx. 

Order  111,        TRIGFJYM.        Three  styles. 

144.  Euphorbia.  Calyx  inflated,  inferior ;  pe- 
tals or  nectaries  four  or  five,  standing  on  the  calyx ; 
capsule  three  lobed,  supported  by  a  pedicel. 

15 


114.  Class  Xh     Order  Ih 

DODECANDRIA. 

MOJ\'OGrj\'M. 
141.    PORTULACA. 

PORTULAOA  OLERACEA.    L.  TuTSlalit. 

Leaves  wedge  shaped ;  flowers  sessile.  L. 

A  succulent,  annual  plant,  common  in  gardens,  cultivated 
fields,  and  waste  grounds.  Stems  procumbent,  spi'eading, 
smooth,  fleshy.  Leaves  wedge  shaped,  rounded  at  the  end, 
fleshy,  smooth,  sessile.  Flowers  sessile,  scattered,  yellow. 
Capsule  opening  transversely.     Flowers  all  summer. — Annual. 

142.    LYTHRUM. 

LyTHRUM  VERTICILLATUM.    L.  WcrfaSS  poly. 

Leaves  opposite  or  ternate,  lanceolate,  petioled ; 
flowers  axillary,  forming  a  sort  of  whorls. 

Stems  woody  at  base,  two  feet  high.  Leaves  opposite  or  in 
threes,  lanceolate,  entire.  Flowers  on  axillary,  subdivided  pe- 
duncles, nearly  surrounding  the  stem.*  Calyx  ending  in  ten  oi- 
twelve  teeth,  accompanied  by  the  same  number  of  long  stamens. 
Petals  five  or  six,  of  a  fine  purple,  spreading,  inserted  on  the  ca- 
lyx, short  in  duration. — In  watery  places  near  Fresh  pond. — Ju- 
ly, August. 

SIGFJ^M. 

143.    AGRIMONIA.  * 

Agrimonia  Eupatoria.  L.  Jigrimony. 

Stem  leaves  pinnate,  the  odd  one  petioled,  fruit 
hispid.     L. 

Rises  to  the  height  of  two  feet,  with  an  angular,  hairy  stem. 
Leaves  interruptedly  pinnate,  hairy.  Leafets  ovate,  serrate,  all 
sessile  except  the  terminal  one.     Stipules  large,  semicircular, 


Class  XI.     Order  III,       '  115 

cut-serrate.  Spike  long,  erect,  hairy.  Flowers  thinly  scatter- 
ed, on  short  stalks,  yellow.  Calyx  persistent,  armed  with  hook- 
ed bristles.  The  plant  is  astringent  and  tonic. — By  fences  and 
thickets. — June,  July. — Perennial. 

TRIGFA^M. 

144.    EUPHORBIA. 
Euphorbia  heliosoopia.  L.  Sun  Spurge, 

Umbel  five  rayed,  then  three  rayed  and  forked  ; 
involucels  obovate  ;  leaves  wedge  form,  serrate.  L. 

A  weed  in  rich  ground,  lactescent,  as  are  the  other  species. 
Stem  upright,  round.  Leaves  scattered,  obovate,  or  wedge 
shaped,  slightly  serrate  at  the  end.  Umbel  of  five  rays,  support- 
ed by  a  large  involucre  like  the  leaves.  Rays  bi'anching,  first 
into  three,  then  into  two  divisions.     Capsules  smooth. — Annual. 

Euphorbia  poLYGONiFOLiA,  L.  Knot  grass  Spurge. 

Leaves  opposite,  quite  entire,  lanceolate,  obtuse ; 
flowers  solitary,  axillary  ;  stems  procumbent.  L. 

A  flat,  spreading  plant,  abounding  with  milky  juice.  Stems 
smooth,  dichotomous.  Leaves  opposite,  oblong,  linear-lanceo- 
late, blunt,  nearly  sessile.  Flowers  small,  proceeding  from  the 
divisions  of  the  stem. — In  sandy  places,  near  the  sea  shore. — 
June,  July. — Annual. 

Euphorbia  maculata.  L.  Spotted  Spurge. 

Leaves  serrate,  oblong,  hairy  ;  flowers  axillary, 
solitary ;  branches  spreading. 

A  flat  plant  like  the  last.  Stems  spreading  close  to  the 
ground.  Leaves  oblong,  obtuse,  obscurely  serrulate  on  the  up- 
per part,  edged  with  hairs,  and  frequently  with  a  dark  spot  in 
the  centre.  Flowers  very  small,  capsule  hairj^ — Found  in  san- 
dy soils.— -June,  July. — Annual. 


416  Class  XII.     Order  Y, 


Class  XII.      ICOSANDRIA.     Twenty  or  more 
stamens,  inserted  on  the  calyx. 

Order  I.        MOJ^OGYJ^^M.         One  style. 

145.  Prunus.  Calyx  inferior,  five  cleft;  co- 
rolla five  petalled  ;  drupe  with  a  smooth  or  slightly 
seamed  stone. 

Order  II.         DIGYJVM.         Two  styles. 

146.  Crat-egus.  Calyx  superior,  five  cleft  j 
petals  five  ;  berry  two  seeded. 

Order  III.         TRIGYJ^M.         Tliree  styles. 

147.  SoRBus.  Calyx  superior,  five  cleft ;  pe- 
tals five  ;  berry  three  seeded. 

Order  IV.         FEJ^TAGYJVM.        Five  styles. 

148.  Pybus.  Calyx  superior,  five  cleft ;  corol- 
la five  petalled  ;  pome  five  celled ;  cells  two  seeded. 

149.  Spir^a.  Calyx  inferior,  five  cleft ;  co- 
rolla five  petalled ;  capsules  two  valved,  many 
seeded. 

Order  y.        POLYGYJ^M.        Many  styles. 

150.  Rosa.  Calyx  urn-shaped,  fleshy,  con- 
tracted at  the  orifice,  five  cleft;  corolla  five  petalled  ; 
seeds  numerous,  bristly,  fixed  to  the  inside  of  the  ca- 
lyx. 

151.  RuBus.  Calyx  five  cleft ;  corolla  five  pe- 
talled ;  berry  composed  of  several  one  seeded  gran- 
ulations. 


Class  Xn.     Orfer  V.  117 

15S.  Fragaria.  Calyx  ten  cleft ;  corolla  five 
petalled ;  seeds  smooth^  fixed  to  a  deciduous,  ber- 
ry-like receptacle. 

153.  CoMARUM.  Calyx  ten  cleft ;  corolla  five 
petalled  ;  seeds  smooth,  fixed  to  an  ovate,  spongy, 
permanent  receptacle. 

154.  PoTENTiLLA.  Calyx  ten  cleft ;  corolla 
five  petalled  ;  seeds  naked,  wrinkled,  affixed  to  a 
small,  juiceless  receptacle. 

155.  Geum.  Calyx  ten  cleft ;  corolla  ten  pe- 
talled ;  seeds  with  {\  jointed,  bent  awn  ;  receptacle 
Cplumnar. 


• 


^ 


?kn. 


il8  Classen.     Order  II. 

ICOSANDRIA. 

145.     PRUNUS. 
Prunus  VirginianAo  L.  Wild  Cherry. 

Flowers  in  racemes,  leaves  deciduous,  glandu- 
lar at  the  base  in  front.  L, 

Syn.     Cerasus  Virginiana.  Mich. 

The  wild  cherfy  is  with  us  a  tree  of  middling  size,  although 
further  to  the  south  and  west  it  attains  to  a  magnitude  of  the 
first  rate.  Michaux  mentions  trees  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio, 
which  are  from  eighty  to  a  hundred  feet  high,  and  their  trunks 
from  tAvelve  to  sixteen  feet  in  circumference.  The  wood  is  a 
well  known  material  in  cabinet  work,  approaching  mahogany  in 
its  colour  and  qualities.  Leaves  alternate,  smooth,  oval-oblong, 
acuminate,  serrate,  with  commonly  two  pair  of  glands  at  the  top 
of  the  petiole  in  front.  Flowers  in  terminal  clusters,  white. 
Fruit  small,  black,  somewhat  bitter.  The  bark  has  a  strong, 
bitterish,  spicy  taste,  and  has  been  found  a  useful  tonic. — May, 
June. 

DIGY^N'M. 

146.     CRAT^GUS. 
Crat^gus  crus  galli.  L,  Common  Tliorn  bush. 

Thorny ;  leaves  obovate,  subsessile,  shining, 
coriaceous  ;  leafets  of  the  calyx  lanceolate,  ibbser- 
rate.  Ait.  ahr. 

A  strong,  branching,  thorny  shrub.  Leaves  inversely  ovate, 
sharply  and  irregularly  serrate,  sometimes  cleft,  tough,  smooth. 
Tliovns  two  oj-  three  inches  long,  rigid,  acute.    Flowei-s  white, 


Class  Xn.     Order  IV.  119 

m  terminal  corymbs.     Calyx  leaves  linear. — About  fences  and 
thickets, — May,  June. 

TRIGYJVM. 

147.     SORBUS. 
SoRBus  AucuPARiA.  Mich.  Mountain  Ask. 

Leaves  pinnate,  smooth,  leafets  equal,  serrate, 
flowers  corymbed. 

St/n.     PrRus  AUCUPARIA.   Sni.  Fl.  Brit. 
SoRBus  .Americana.  Muhl. 

An  ornamental  tree, much  cultivated.  Bark  smooth.  Leaves 
pinnate,  serrate,  entire  at  base,  smooth  on  both  sides.  Flow- 
ers white,  in  large,  terminal  corymbs.  In  the  European  tree, 
the  one  commonly  cultivated,  the  young  leaves  are  pubescent  or 
downy  underneath.  In  the  American,  which  is  perhaps  a  dis- 
tinct species,  they  are  perfectly  glabrous.  Styles  three,  some- 
times more.  Berries  red,  lasting  all  winter. — Grows  native  at 
Cape  Ann,  and  in  Worcester  county. — May. 

PEMTAGIJVM. 

148.     PYRUS.     • 
Pyrus  arbutifolia.   Willd.  Choke  berry. 

Leaves  obovate,  acuminate,  serrate,  downy  un- 
derneath, the  midrib  glandular  above ;  flowers  in 
corymbs.   Willd. 

Syn.     Mespilus  ARBUT'iFoliA.  Lin.  Mich. 

A  slender  shrub.  Leaves  oblong,  oval  or  obovate,  finely 
serrate,  the  midrib  spotted  on  the  upper  side,  with  small,  dark 
glands.  Flowers  white,  in  compound,  downy  corymbs.  Fruit 
witli  five  cells  and  ten  seeds,  of  the  size  of  large  whortleber- 
ries, 'rough  and  astringent  to  the  taste. — ^Low  woods  and  thick- 
ets.— May,  June. 


130  Class  XII.     Order  IV. 

Pyrus  Botryapium.  Willd.  June  berry. 

Leaves  oblong- elliptic,  pointed,  smooth  ;  flow- 
ers racemed,  petals  linear  lanceolate,  germs  pubes- 
cent, segments  of  the  calyx  glabrous.   Willd. 

Syn.     Mespilus  Canadensis.  Lin.  Mich, 
Mespilus  Arborea.  Mich.f. 

This  species  commonly  attains  the  height  of  a  small  tree, 
and  is  very  conspicuous  when  in  flower  in  the  early  part  of 
May.  Leaves  oblong,  varying  in  width,  sharply  serrate,  acute. 
Flowers  white,  in  long,  downy  racemes.  Fruit  dark  blue,  of 
the  size  of  whortleberries,  pleasant  to  the  taste, — Low  woods 
and  swamps. — Berries  ripe  in  June. 

149.     SPIRiEA. 
Spir^a  alba.  Ehr.  WTiite  Spiraea.    Meadow  sweet. 

Leaves  wedge-lanceolate,  serrate,  glabrous  5 
flowers  panicled. 

Sijn.     Spiraea  salicifolia.  Mich. 

A  slender  shrub  three  or  four  feet  high,  bearing  large,  ter- 
minal bunches  of  white  flowers.  Stems  smooth,  reddish. 
Leaves  broad  lanceolate,  somewhat  obtuse,  smooth  and  thin, 
acutely  serrate,  tapering  at  base.  Panicle  terminal,  composed 
of  small  flowering,  branches  at  the  top  of  the  stem,  and  from  the 
axils  of  the  upper  leaves.  Flowers  small,  crowded. — Meadows 
and  wet  pastures. — July,  August. 

Spir^a  tomentosa.  L.  Downy  Spirma.     Hardhack. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  unequally  serrate,  downy 
underneath ;  flowers  twice  racemed.   Willd, 

A  very  common  shrub  in  pastures  and  low  grounds,  about 
the  size  of  the  last.  Among  its  purple  flowers  the  dead  tops 
of  the  last  year's  fructification  are  conspicuous.    Leaves  nearly 


Class  XII.     Order  V.  ISl 

oval,  thick,  and  tough,  dark  green  above,  whitish  and  downy 
underneath.  Flowers  small,  blue,  incfming  to  purple,  in  long 
conical  bunches  on  the  end  of  the  stems. — .July,  August. 

POLVGYJ^M. 

150.  ROSA. 

Rosa  Ca.roliniana.  L.  Swamp  rose. 

Germs  globular,  liispid ;  peduncles  somewliat 
hispid ;  stem  with  stipular  prickles ;  petioles  prick- 
ly.  L. 

This  rose  grows  in  swamps  and  wet  grounds,  sometime^ 
forming  thickets  of  itself.  The  stems  vary  greatly  in  the  num^ 
ber  and  size  of  their  prickles,  even  those  which  spring  from  the 
same  root.  They  are  commonly  of  a  reddish  colour,  and  their 
prickles  nearly  straight.  Leaves  pinnate,  with  five  or  seven 
pair  of  oval  leafets,  sharply  serrate  and  paler  on  the  under  side. 
Flowers  red,  growing  in  a  sort  of  corymbs.  Fruit  spherical, 
flattened  at  the  ends. — June,  July. 

151.  RUBUS. 

RuBtJS  occiDEN*Ans.  L.        Bluck  rcispderry,  Thimbleberry. 

Leaves  trifoliate,  downy  underneath,  stem  prick- 
ly, petioles  round.  L. 

Frequent  about  fences,  thickets,  8cc.  The  stems  are  prick- 
ly, long  and  slender,  bending  over  in  the  form  of  an  arch,  and 
covered  with  a  bluish  or  glaucous  powder,  which  readily  rubs 
off.  Leafets  in  threes,  oval,  loosely  serrate,  acuminate,  green 
above,  whitish  and  downy  underneath,  the  two  lateral  ones  near- 
ly sessile.  Petioles  roundish,  prickly.  Flowers  white,  in  ter- 
minal racemes.  Fruit  black,  sprightly  and  pleasant  to  the  taste. 
— Mav. 


133  Class  XII.     Order  V. 

Rub  us  sTRiGosus.  Jlieh.  Wild  red  raspberry. 

Unarmed,  strongly  hispid,  leafets  in  threes,  or 
five  pinnate,  oval,  obtuse  at  base,  lined  and  white- 
downy  underneath,  the  odd  one  often  sub-cordate. 
Mich. 

A  more  delicate  fruit  than  the  last,  found  in  similar  places. 
The  stem  and  branches  are  without  prickles,  but  covered  with 
thick  stiff  bristles.  Petioles  hispid,  bearing  one  or  two  pairs  of 
lateral  leafets  and  a  terminal  one  ;  the  lateral  leafets  sessile. 
Flowers  white,  in  terminal  clusters  with  hispid  peduncles.  Fruit 
ted,  richly  flavoured. — May. 

RuBus  viLLosus.  t9it.  High  blackberry. 

Leafets  three  or  five,  oval,  acuminate,  serrate, 
villous  on  both  sides  ;  stems  and  petioles  prickly. 

This  is  a  tall  bramble  that  spreads  rapidly  by  its  roots,  and 
is  often  troublesome  in  pastures  and  fields.  The  stem  is  armed 
with  strong  acute  prickles ;  the  young  twigs,  leaf,  and  flow- 
er stalks  covered  with  short  fine  hair.  Leaves  somewhat  hairy 
on  both  sides,  not  white  underneath.  Flowers  in  long  terminal 
racemes,  white.  Fruit  large,  black,  and  pleasantly  flavoured. 
— May,  June. 

Ru  BUS  TRiviALis.  .yViJc^.     Low  Or  rutinlng  blackberry.    DeW' 

berry. 

Stems  procumbent ,  leafets  three  or  five,  oval, 
serrate,  nearly  smooth  ;  flower  stalks  mostly  soli- 
tary. 

Syn.     RuBUS  procvmbess.  Muhl. 

Stems  prickly,  slender,  flexible,  running  several  yards  upon 
the  ground,  but  seldom  putting  out  roots,  unless  accidentally 
covered.     Leaves  nearly  smooth,  green  on  both  sidesi     Pedun- 


Class  XIl.     OrdQrY.  ISS 

cles  long,  slender,  mostly  undivided,  furnished  with  minute 
prickles.  Flowers  solitary,  white.  Fruit  large,  black,  sweet 
—Common  in  barren  sandy  soils. — May. 

RuBus  oDORATDs.  L.  Floweving  raspberry. 

Leaves  simple,  palmate  ;  stem  unarmed,  many 
leaved,  many  flowered,  L. 

A  superb,  flowering  shrub,  commonly  cultivated.  I  have 
not  seen  it  growing  wild  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Boston, 
though  it  is  plentiful  at  the  distance  of  thirty  or  forty  miles  to 
the  westward.  Leaves  simple,  large,  mostly  five  lobed,  ser- 
rate ;  p'etioles  and  peduncles  hairy.  Flowers  large,  purple, 
forming  a  sort  of  corymb.  F.ruit  diy. — Flowers  in  June  and 
after. 

152.  FRAG  ARIA. 

Fragaria  Virginiana,  Ehr.  Wild  strawberry. 

Calyx  of  the  fruit  spreading  ;  hairs  of  the  petir 
oles  erect,  of  the  peduncles  appressed  ;  leaves 
smooth  ahove.   Willd. 

The  common  wild  strawberry  is  a  veiy  delicious  fruit,  and 
when  cultivated  is  inferior  to  few  imported  species.  The  ber- 
ries ripen  early,  are  of  a  light  scarlet  colour,  exquisitely  fla- 
voured, but  more  soft  and  perishable  than  the  other  kinds.  The 
herbage  is  more  smooth  and  even  than  in  other  species,  the  pe- 
duncles shorter,  so  that  the  fruit  is  commonly  concealed  under 
the  leaves.     Flowers  white,  appearing  in  May. 

Wild  strawberries  are  frequently  sour  from  the  circum- 
stance of  their  ripening  in  the  shade  among  the  high  grass. 

153.  COMARUM. 

CoMARUM  PALUSTRE.  L.  Jlursli  ciiiquefoil. 

A  genus  nearly  related  to  the  last,  with  only  one  species. 
Stem  round,  vising  from  one  to  two  feet.    Leafets  three,  five,  or 


12^  Class  XII.     Order  V. 

sev^,  oblong,  serrate,  Avhitish  underneath.  Flowers  dark,  dull 
purple,  every  part  permanent.  Calyx  ten  cleft,  every  other, 
segment  larger.  Corolla  five  small  petals.  Fruit  enclosed  in 
the  flower,  resembling  a  strawberry,  but  spongy  and  permanent. 
— Found  in  Neponset  river. — June. — Perennial. 

154.     POTENTILLA. 
PoTENTiLLA  ANSERiNA.  L.  SUvcr  Weed.     Wild  tansey. 

Leaves  interruptedly  pinnate,  serrate,  silky  un- 
derneath, stem  creeping,  peduncles  one  floy^^ered. 

'  *» 
A  handsome  plant  common  on  the  marshes  at  South  Boston 
and  Cambridge.  Stems  hairy  and  reddish,  creeping  extensive- 
ly among  the  grass.  Leaves  pinnate,  the  large  leafets  alternat- 
ing with  small  ones,  green  above  and  of  a  fine  silvery  appear- 
ance beneath.  Flowers  yellow,  solitary,  on  long,  axillary  pe- 
duncles.— June.— Perennial. 

PoTENTiLLA  ARGENTEA.  L.  Hoarij  clnquefoiL 

Leaves  quinate,  wedge  form,  cut,  downy  under- 
neath, stem  nearly  erect. 

A  small,  humble  species,  frequent  on  Boston  common  and 
elsewhere  in  dry  soils.  Stems  spreading,  half  erect,  white  and 
downy.  Leaves  alternate,  consisting  of  five  wedge  form  or 
spatulate  leafets,  cut  into  a  few  lobes  or  large  teeth  at  the  end, 
white  and  downy  underneath.  Flowers  numerous,  on  the  ends 
of  the  branches,  small,  yellow.-— From  June  to  September-— 
Perennial. 

PoTENTiLLA  SIMPLEX.  Mich.       Common  CinquefoH,  or  Five^ 

finger. 

Erect,  simple,  hairy ;  leaves  five -digitate,  ob- 
long, oval ;  peduncles  lateral,  solitary,  elongated, 
one  flowered.  Mich. 


■Class  XII.     Order  V.  135 

Stem  erect  at  base,  declining  at  top,  rough,  hairy.  Leafets 
in  fives,  oval,  deeply  serrate^  the  nerves  hairy  underneath.  From 
the  axils  of  the  leaves  proceed  a  single  flower,  a  petioled  leaf 
and  the  rudiment  of  a  branch.  Flowei^s  yellow.  Petals  round- 
ish, inversely  heart-shaped,  larger  than  the  calyx. — Pastures. 

May,  June. — Perennial. 

PoTENTiLLA  NoRVEGicA.  L.  JSToTway  CinquefoU. 

Leaves  ternate ;  ^tem  dicliotomous  ;  peduncles 
axillary.  L. 

An  erect,  hairy  plant.  Stem  round,  straight,  forked  at  top. 
Leaves  in  threes,  oval,  cut-serrate,  their  petioles  and  veins  cov- 
ered with  long  hairs.  Stipules  ovate,  acute,  somewhat  toothed. 
Flowers  numerous,  axillary  and  terminal,  somewhat  crowded. 
Petals  yellow,  shorter  than  the  calyx. — By  road  sides  and  thick- 
ets.— July. — Perennial. 

155.     GEUM. 

Geum  rivale.  L,  Water  Jvens. 

Radical  leaves  lyrate ;  stipules  ovate,  acute, 
cut ;  flowers  nodding,  awns  feathery,  twisted.  Sm. 

A  fine  plant  conspicuous  in  meadows  for  its  high,  noddino-, 
dark  coloured  flowers.  Stem  round,  erect,  drooping  at  top. 
Radical  leaves  lyrate  or  interruptedly  pinnate,  the  terminal  leaf- 
et  large  and  lobed,  the  whole  serrate  and  hairy.  Flowers  ter- 
minal, two  or  three  on  a  stalk  ;  calyx  reddish  brown,  closed  ; 
petals  erect,  hardly  exceeding  the  calyx,  inversely  heart-shap- 
ed, veined  and  shaded  with  yellow  and  purple.  The  fruit  be- 
comes erect,  and  is  crowned  with  long,  feathery,  contorted  awns 
— May,  June.— iPerennial. 

Geum  Virginianum.  L.  Virginian  Avens. 

Leaves  trifoliate,  upper  ones  Isnceolate ;  petals 


1^6  Class  XII.     Order  V. 

shorter  than  the  calyx ;   seeds  hairy,  with  naked 
awns,  twisted  at  top. 

Stem  erect,  one  or  two  feet  high,  branching,  hairy.  Lower 
leaves  in  threes,  sometimes  in  fives  ;  the  upper  ones  simple, 
oval,  or  lanceolate,  the  whole  unequally  serrate.  Stipules  large, 
ovate,  few  toothed.  Flowers  nodding,  fruit  erect.  Petals 
w  hite,  not  longer  than  the  calyx. — ^^Thickets.— June,  July< — Pe» 
renniaU 


Class  Xin.     Order  V.  137 


Class  XIII.    POLYANDRIA.    Many  stamens. 
Order  J.      MOJVOGYJK^M.     One  style. 

156.  Chelidonium.  Calyx  two  leaved ;  pe- 
tals four  ;  silique  superior,  two  valved,  one  celled, 
linear ;  seeds  crested. 

157.  ActjEA.  Calyx  four  leaved ;  petals  four; 
berry  one  celled,  many  seeded ;  seeds  nearly  flat. 

158.  CiSTus.  Calyx  five  leaved,  two  of  the 
leaves  smaller  ;  capsule  superior,  three  valved, 
opening  at  top. 

159.  Sarracenia.  Calyx  double ;  the  lower 
three  leaved,  the  upper  five  leaved  ;  petals  five  ; 
stigma  shield  like  ;  capsule  five  celled. 

160.  TiLiA.  Calyx  five  parted ;  petals  five  5 
capsule  superior,  coriaceous,  five  celled,  five  valv- 
ed, opening  at  the  base. 

161.  Sanguinaria.  Calyx  two  leaved  ;  co- 
rolla eight  petalled ;  capsule  two  valved,  many 
seeded. 

163.  Podophyllum.  Calyx  three  leaved  ;  co- 
rolla nine  petalled ;  berry  one  celled,  crowned  with 
the  stigma. 

163.  NvMPHiEA.  Calyx  four  or  five  leaved : 
corolla  many  petalled ;  stigma  radiate,  sessile ; 
berry  many  celled,  many  seeded. 

Order  V.       PEJVr^GrJVM,     Five  styles, 

164.  Aquilegia.     Calyx  none;  petals  five: 


128  Class  XIII.     Order  VI. 

nectaries  five,  horn  shaped,  alternate  with  the  pe- 
tals. 

Order  Yl,     POLYGYJ^M.    Many  styles. 

165.  CltEMAtis.  Calyx  none ;  petals  from 
four  to  six  ;  seeds  with  tails  ;  receptacle  capitate. 

166.  Thalictrum.  Calyx  none  ;  petals  four 
or  five  ;  seeds  without  tails. 

167.  Helleborus.  Calyx  none  ;  petals  five  ; 
nectaries  tubular,  two  lipped  ;  capsules  many  seed- 
ed. 

168.  Caltha.  Calyx  none  ;  petals  five  ;  nec- 
taries none,  capsules  many. 

169.  Hydropeltis.  Calyx  none;  petals  six, 
three  external  shortest;  nectaries  none;  capsules 
several,  one  celled,  two  seeded,  invested  with  the 
permanent  corolla. 

170.  Anemone.  Calyx  none  ;  petals  from  five 
to  nine  ;  seeds  numerous. 

171.  Ranunculus.  Calyx  five  leaved  ;  petals 
from  five  to  eight,  with  a  pore  or  scale  bearing  hon- 
ey at  the  base  of  eaeh,  inside  ;  seeds  naked. 

173.  Magnolia.  Calyx  three  leaved  ;  petals 
from  six  to  nine  ;  capsules  two  valved,  clustered ; 
seeds  pendulous. 


Class  XIII.     Order  X,  1S9 


POLYANDRIA. 

MOJVOGYJVM. 

156.    CHELIDONIUM. 

Ghelidonium  majus.  L.  Celandine. 

Peduncles  umbelled.  L. 

iPound  among  rubbish,  under  fences,  8cc.  attaining  the  height 
oF  one  or  two  feet.  LeaVes  pinnate,  spreading ;  leafets  lobed, 
pale  green,  smooth,  their  stalks  wmged  where  they  join  the 
main  petiole.  Flowers  yellow,  in  a  remote  umbel,  proceeding 
from  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  The  calyx,  petals,  and  stamens 
are  extremely  deciduous,  which  occasions  perplexity  in  exam- 
ining the  plant.  Every  part  of  this  vegetable  abounds  with  a 
bright  yellow,  or  saffron  coloured  juice.— May,  June.— Peren- 
nial. 

157.    ACTiEA. 

AcT^A  RUBRA.  JVUld.  Red  Bane  berries. 

Raceme  ovate ;  petals  shorter  than  the  stamens ; 
fruit  berried,  red.   Willd. 

Syn.     AcTAEA  spjcaTa.  L.  Mich. 

Leaves  spreading,  thrice  ternate  ;  leafets  acummate,  cut- 
serrate.  Clusters  terminal,  solitary.  Flowers  white,  the  calyx 
deciduous.  The  flowers  are  succeeded  by  large,  shining, 
bright  red  berries,  of  a  nauseous  taste,  and  poisonous  aspect.— 
Grows  in  swamps  and  dark  woods. — May,  June. — Perennial. 

Another  plant  which  is  commonly  considered  a  variety  of 
Actaea  spicata,  but  which  appears  to  me  undoubtedly  a  distinct 
species ;  has  smaller  berries,  Avhite,  tipped  with  red,  on  large, 

17 


130  67assXIII.     Order  h 

incrassated  pedicels,  of  nearly  the  size  of  the  common  pedun- 
cle. 

158.     CISTUS. 

CisTus  Canadensis.  L.  Canadian  Cistus, 

Herbaceous,  without  stipules  ;  leaves  alternate, 
lanceolate,  stem  ascending.  L. 

Syn.     Helianthemum  Canadekse.  Mich. 

Stem  slender,  downy,  hardly  a  foot  high.  Leaves"  small, 
nearly  sessile,  lanceolate,  obtuse,  do\vny,  white  underneath. 
Flowers  lateral,  solitary,  yellow.  Stamens  inclined  to  the  up- 
per side.  Petals  very  tender  and  deciduous  ;  after  they  have 
fallen,  the  plant  has  the  appearance  of  Lechea  major,  for  which 
it  has  been  mistaken. — Sandy  pastures  and  hills. — June. — Pe- 
rennial. 

159.     SARRACENIA. 

Sarracenia  purpurea.  L.  Sidesaddle  flower. 

Leaves  decumbent,  shorter  than  the  scape,  in- 
flated ;  ventral  win§  arched ;  appendix  broad  heart 
shaped,  waved. 

The  whole  of  this  genus  are  plants  of  very  singiilar  struc- 
,  ture.  The  Sarracenia  purpurea  is  the  only  one  which  endures 
our  climate.  The  leaves,  which  are  all  radical,  are  formed  by 
a  large  hollow  tube,  swelling  in  the  middle,  curved  and  dimin- 
ishing downward,  till  it  ends  in  a  stem,  contracted  at  the  mouth, 
furnished  with  a  large,  spreading,  heart  shaped  appendage  at 
top,  which  is  hairy  within  ;  and  a  broad,  wavy  wing  extending 
the  whole  length  on  the  inside.  The  full  grown  leaves  will 
contain  a  wine  glass  of  water,  and  are  rarely  found  empty.  The 
scape  is  long,  smooth,  and  cylindrical,  supporting  a  large,  nod- 
ding flower.  Exterior  calyx  of  hree  small  leaves  ;  interior  of 
five  oval,  obtuse  leaves,  inclining  to  purple.     Petals  five,  large, 


Class  Xin.     Order  I.  131 

oval,  purple.  Germ  nearly  globular,  surrounded  by  the  broad, 
spreading  stigma,  expanded  like  an  umbrella,  and  divided  at 
its  margin  into  five  lobes  alternating  w^ith  the  petals. — Swamps 
and  meadows. — June. — Perennial. 

160.     TILIA. 
TiLiA  Americana.     L.  Lime  tree  or  Bass  wffod. 

Leaves  roundish-heart  shaped,  abruptly  acu- 
minate, sharply  serrate,  smooth;  petals  truncated 
at  top  ;  nut  ovate.  Mich.  f. 

A  tree  of  the  middle  size,  remarkable  for  the  neatness  of 
its  foliage,  and  the  regularity  of  its  form.  The  leaves  are  large, 
roundish,  heart-shaped  at  base,  finely  serrated.  The  footstalk 
supporting  a  bunch  of  flowers,  proceeds  from  the  centre  of  an 
oblong,  pale,  floral  leaf  or  bracte,  as  in  the  others  of  the  genus. 
Flowers  greenish  white,  succeeded  by  small,  hard,  greyish  cap- 
sules. The  wood  of  this  tree  is  white,  smooth,  and  soft.  It  is 
used  in  the  manufacture  of  certain  kinds  of  furniture,  and  of 
the  pannels  of  carriages.  The  bark  is  fibi'ous,  strong,  and  flex- 
ible, and  makes  tolerable  ropes.— July. 

161.     SANGUINARIA. 

Sanguinaria  Canadensis.  L.  Blood  root.     Puccoon. 

One  of  the  earliest  spring  flowers.  I^eaves  radical,  some- 
what heai't-shaped,  parted  into  numerous  lobes.  The  first  leaf 
which  appears,  is  rolled  round  the  stalk  and  flower,  which  it 
seems  to  embrace  and  protect.  Flowers  single,  erect,  with  two 
deciduous  calyx  leaves,  and  eight  beautiful  spreading  white  pe- 
tals. The  leaves  increase  greatly  in  size  after  the  flowers  have 
fallen.  The  root  is  fleshy  and  abrupt,  and  abounds  with  a  bright 
orange  coloured  juice.  It  possesses  active,  medicinal  proper- 
ties. — Grows  in  thickets  at  South  Boston,  Cambridge,  Sec- 
April,  May. — Perennial. 


•'^/ir"; 


13S  Class  Xin.     Order  I. 

162.    PODOPHYLLUM. 

Podophyllum  peltatum.  L.  May  apple. 

Leaves  peltate,  lobed.  i. 

This  plant  has  an  upright  stem,  supporting  two  large, 
spreading  leaves,  with  a  flower  in  their  fork.  The  leaves  are 
peltate,  though  the  petiole  is  very  near  to  one  edge.  They  are 
divided  in  a  palmate  manner,  into  six  or  eight  large  lobes,  which 
fre  again  cut  or  lobed  at  the  top.  Flower  large,  white,  on  a 
short  axillary  peduncle.  The  fruit  is  as  large  as  a  pigeons 
egg,  and  not  unpleasant  to  the  taste.  The  root  is  medicinal, 
answering  as  a  substitute  for  jalap. — It  is  foimd  native  at  Med- 
way,  twenty  five  miles  from  Boston. — May. — Perennial. 

163.    NYMPH^A. 
Nymph^ea  advena.  ^it.  Yellow  water  lily. 

Leaves  heart  shaped,  entire,  lobes  divaricate ; 
calyx  six  leaved,  longer  than  the  petals.  Mt. 

The  floating  leaves  of  this  and  the  subsequent  species  are 
well  known  to  anglers  under  the  name  of  "lily  pads."  In  this 
species  they  are  heart  shaped,  with  rounded  lobes,  commonly 
floating,  but  in  shallow  water  erect.  Petioles  half  round.  Flow- 
ers yellow,  the  calyx  leaves  roundish,  concave,  shaded  with 
dull  purple  within.  Petals  somewhat  wedge  shaped.  Stigma 
radiate  and  toothed. — Rivers  and  ponds.— June.— Perennial. 

Nymph^a  odorata.  Jiit,  Fragrant  water  lily. 

Leaves  heart-shaped,  entire,  emarginate,  the 
lobes  divaricate  with  a  blunt  point ;  calyx  four 
leaved.  4^it> 

Few  plants  possess  a  more  exquisite  fragrance  than  the 
common  white  water  lily.  It  is  found  only  in  deep  water, 
where  its  large  perennial  roots  are  secure  from  the  frost  in 


Class  Xm.     Order  VI.  133 

winter.  The  leaves  are  nearly  orbicular,  divided  behind,  the 
fissure  or  sinus  furnished  with  an  angle  or  tooth  on  each  side. 
Calyx  of  four  leaves,  green  without,  white  within.  Petals  nu- 
merous, white.  Stamens  yellow.  The  flowers  expand  in  the 
morning,  giving  the  surface  of  the  water  a  magnificent  appear- 
ance ;  but  are  closed  in  the  afternoon. — June. — July. 

PEjyTJlGlJ\''M. 

164.     AQUILEGIA. 
AquiLEGiA  Canadensis.  L.  Wild  colu'hibine. 

Nectaries  straight ;  stamens  longer  than  the 
corolla*  L. 

This  early  flower  is  more  delicate  in  its  habit  and  colours 
than  the  common  garden  species.  Stem  erect,  branching. 
Leaves  once  or  twice  ternate,  lobed.  FloM'ers  on  the  ends  of 
the  branches,  pendulous,  scarlet  without,  and  yellow  within. 
The  nectaries  resemble  straight  horns,  alternating  with  the 
petals,  which  are  oval  and  acute.  Stamens  numerous,  yellow, 
projecting.  After  floAvering  the  fruit  becomes  erect. — Dry 
hills,  rocks,  and  pastures. — April,  May. — Perennial. 

FOLYGYJ^M. 

165.     CLEMATIS. 
Clematis  Virginiana.  L.      Traveller- s  joy,  Virgiii's  bower. 

Leaves  trifoliate ;  leafets  heart-shaped,  sublo- 
bate-angular,  climbing ;  flowers  dioecious.  L. 

9 

A  climbing,  hardy  vine.  The  stem  gives  off"  at  intervals  v- 
pair  of  opposite  petioles,  which  twine  round  objects  of  support, 
serving  the  purpose  of  tendrils  ;  each  bears  three  heart-shaped 
leafets,  which  are  variously  toothed  and  lobed.  Peduncles  ax- 
illary, bearing  cymes  of  white  flowers,  which  are.  dioecious,  the 


434  Class  Xni.     Order  VI. 

fertile  flowers  having  imperfect  anthers.  The  most  remark- 
able appearance  of  this  plant  is  when  in  fruit ;  the  long  feath- 
ery tails  of  the  seeds  appearing  like  tufts  of  wool.  Grows  in 
low  ground. — Very  abundant  on  the  banks  of  the  Neponset 
river,  Milton.— August. 

167.     HELLEBORUS. 

Helleborus  trifolius.  L.  Gold  thread. 

Scape  one  flowered ;  leaves  ternate.  L. 

A  small  delicate  plant  found  among  the  leaves  and  moss  in 
pine  swamps,  8cc.  The  roots  creep  extensively,  and  are  of  a 
bright  yellow  colour.  Leafets  in  threes,  evergreen,  roundish, 
lobed  and  crenate,  acute  at  base.  Scape  bearing  one  small, 
starry,  white  flower.  Nectaries  within  the  petals,  cup  shaped. 
StaiTiens  white.  Pistils  on  footstalks  which  afterward  form  an 
urnbel  supporting  the  capsules. — 'Flowers  in  Api'il  and  May.— 
Perennial. 

The  root  is  a  very  pure  bitter,  but  nearly  destitute  of  astrin- 
gency.  It  is  a  popular  remedy  for  aphthous  aff'ections  of  the 
mouth,  and  great  quantities  are  sold  in  the  shops. 

168.     CALTHA. 

Caltha  palustris.  L.     Marsh  Marigold.    Meadow  cowslip. 

Stem    erect;      leaves    round    heart    shaped. 
Forster, 

Brought  to  market  in  the  sprung  under  the  name  of  CoiV' 
slips.  At  that  season  its  bright  yellow  blossoms  are  very  com- 
mon and  conspicuous  in  meadows  and  wet  situations.  Stem 
upright,  furrowed.  Leaves  smooth,  heart  or  kidney  shaped, 
crenate,  the  radical  ones  on  petioles,  those  of  the  stem  nearly* 
sessile.  Flowers  on  axillary  stalks,  with  large,  roundish,  glos- 
sy petals  of  a  bright  yellow,  as  are  the  stamens.  The  young 
buds  are  sometimes  substituted  for  capers.— -Perennial. 


Class.  Xin.     Order  VT.  135 

169.    HYDROPELTIS. 

Hydropeltis  purpurea.  Mich.  Water  target. 

Syn.     IxoDiA  PADUsfRis.   Solandtr. 

BraSENIA  HrDROPELTlS.    Mufil. 

An  aquatic  plant,  the  only  species  of  its  geniis-  Its  leaves 
whcih  can  hardly  be  mistaken  for  any  thing  else,  are  perfectly 
elliptical,  with  the  leaf  stalk  inserted  exactly  in  their  centre, 
forming  a  centro-peltate  leaf.  Their  upper  surface  is  smooth 
and  shining,  like  those  of  the  water  lilies,  among  which  they 
float.  Flowers  dark  purple ;  petals  six,  the  three  outermost 
shortest.  Stamens  numerous.  The  immersed  portions  of  the 
plant,  particularly  the  stalks  and  young  leaves  are  cloathed 
with  a  thick  gelatinous  substance,  transparent,  and  insipid  to 
the  taste. — In  Fresh  pond,  and  other  stagnant  waters. — July. — 
Perennial. 

170.  ANEMONE, 

Anemone  hepatica.  L.  Early  Anemone. 

Leaves  three  lobed,  entire.  L. 

It  is  a  circumstance  not  a  little  perplexing  to  students,  that 
the  first  plant  in  a  genus  without  a  calyx,  should  have  a  calyx 
of  three  leaves.  Linnaeus  in  associating  this  plant  with  the  an- 
emonies,  considered  the  calyx  from  its  remoteness,  to  be  an  in- 
volucrum  and  not  a  perianth.  Leaves  radical,  on  hairy  petioles, 
with  three  broad  oval  lobes.  Peduncles  and  involucre  hairy.  Pe- 
tals red.  This  elegant  little  plant  is  one  of  the  earliest  visitors 
in  spring,  flowering  in  sunny  spots  before  the  snow  has  left  the 
ground. — ^Woods,  Cambridge,  Roxbury. — April. — Perennial. 

Anemone  nemorosa.  Mich,  Wood  Anemone. 

Seeds   pointed ;  leaves   three ;   leafets   lobed : 
stem  one  flowered. 


136  Class  XIII.     Order  YI. 

This  species  and  the  next  are  among  the  earliest  flowers  of 
spring,  appearing  in  April,  and  continuing  through  the  month 
of  May.  In  this  the  root  is  creeping.  Stem  erect,  supporting 
a  single  flower  on  its  summit,  and  three  compound  leaves  given 
off"  in  a  whorl  below.  Leafets  toothed  and  lobed,  paler  under- 
neath. Flower  of  six  petals,  which  are  white,  shaded  with 
purple  on  the  outside.  The  whole  plant  is  acrimonious  to  the 
taste. — In  woods  and  about  fences,  very  common. — Perennial. 

Anemonk  Thahctroides.  L.  Rue  leaved  Anemone* 

Flowers  umbelled,  stem  leaves  simple,  whorl- 
ed  ;  root  leaves  twice  ternate.  i, 

Syn.     ThalicTrum  Anemosoides.  Mich. 

Readily  distinguished  from  the  last,  by  its  number  of  flow- 
ers. Root  tuberous.  Stem  upright,  simple,  divided  at  top  in- 
to a  sort  of  umbel,  of  several  flowers  accompanied  by  a  number 
of  simple  heart  shaped,  three  lobed  leaves.  The  leaves  which 
proceed  from  the  root  are  compound,  usually  three  times  ter- 
nate. Flowers  white,  petals  varying  in  number  ;  the  largest 
flowers  having  eight  or  ten.— Woods  and  pastures. — April, 
May. — Perennial. 

Anemone  Virginiana.  L.  Tall  Anemone, 

Stem  branched ;  petioles  three  leaved,  leafets 
cut-lobed,  serrate;  flower  stalks  wand -like;  seeds 
in  an  oblong  ovate  head,  woolly.  Mich. 

A  tall,  very  straight  plant,  unlike  in  its  habit  to  those  de- 
scribed. Leaves  ternate,  lobed,  paler  underneath.  Peduncles 
very  long,  straight,  erect,  parallel.  Flowers  terminal,  green, 
solitary.  Petals  ovate,  acute,  covered  outside  with  silken  down. 
The  seeds  form  an  oblong  cylindrical  head.  Found  in  dry 
woods,  road  sides,  8cc. — June,  July.— Perennial. 


CZass  XIII.     Order  Yl.  137 

171.    RANUNCULUS. 
Ranunculus  abortivus.  L,  Small  flowered  crowfoot. 

Radical  leaves  heart-shaped,  crenate ;  stem 
leaves  ternate,  angular ;  stem  about  three  flowered, 
L. 

This  species  is  easily  distinguished  by  its  small  flowers,  and 
undivided,  radical  .leaves.  The  leaves  which  grow  from  the 
root  are  heart  or  kidney  shaped,  crenate,  the  longest  ones  some- 
times lobed.  Stem  leaves  in  threes,  at  the  base  of  each  pedun- 
cle, nearly  sessile,  the  upper  ones  lanceolate.  Stems  erect, 
smooth,  few  flowere.d.  Flowers  small,  yellow.— Woods. — May, 
June. — Perennial. 

Ranunculus  sceleratus.  L.  Celery  leaved  crowfoot. 

Lower  leaves  palmate  ;  uppermost  in  finger  like 
divisions ;  fniit  oblong. 

A  smooth,  branching  plant,  with  small  flowers.  Stem  thick, 
round  and  hollow.  Lower  leaves  divided  deeply,  but  not  so 
far  as  the  petiole,  the  segments  toothed  and  lobed.  Upper 
leaves  sessile,  divided  to  the  bottom.  Flowers  numerous,  on 
petioles  of  unequal  length.  Calyx  pubescent,  somewhat  de- 
flected. Petals  small,  concave,  yellow.  Seeds  small,  in  a  close, 
cylindrical  head. — .Grows  in  watery  places. — June,  July. — Per- 
ennial. It  is  very  acrid,  when  fresh,  and  may  be  made  to  pro- 
duce blisters. 

Ranunculus  fascicularis.  Muhl.  Early  crowfoot. 

Leaves  ternate,  subpinnate  ;  root  fascicled. 

An  inhabitant  of  dry,  rocky  hills,  flowering  in  April  and 
May.  The  root  consists  of  numerous  fasciculated,  fleshy  divi- 
sions.   The  leaves  are  pubescent,  but  have  a  smooth  appearance. 

Those  of  the  root  grow  on  long  stalks,  and  are  ternate.    Leafets 
18 


138  Class  Xin.     Order  VI. 

three  lobed,  remote,  the  terminal  one  deeply  cleft,  appearing 
like  three  distinct  leafets,  so  that  the  leaf  has  a  pinnate  form. 
Peduncles  a  little  angular.  Calyx  spreading,  hairy  underneath. 
Petals  longer  than  the  calyx,  transparent  at  base.  Nectary  obo- 
vate. — Perennial. 

Ranunculus  bulbosus.  L.       Bulbous  crowfoot.  Buttercups. 

Calyx  reflexed ;  flower  stalks  furrowed ;  stem 
upright,  many  flowered ;  leaves  compound.  L. 

Very  frequent  among  the  grass  in  pastures,  road  sides,  &c. 
The  root  is  solid  and  fleshy,  acrimonious  and  almost  caustic. 
Stems  erect,  furnished  with  leaves,  somewhat  hairy.  Leaves 
hairy,  in  three  or  five  principal  divisions,  variously  toothed  and 
cut.  Flower  stalks  upright  and  furrowed.  Flowers  of  a  bright, 
glossy  yellow  ;  calyx  leaves  bent  downward  against  the  flower 
stalk,  hairy.  Fruit  in  globular  heads.— May  and  after. — Peren- 
nial. 

Ranunculus  acris.  L.  Tall  crowfoot. 

Calyx  spreading ;  flower  stalks  round  and 
even ;  leaves  in  three  divisions  with  many  seg- 
ments, the  upper  ones  linear. 

Distinguished  by  its  superior  height,  being  usually  about 
two  feet  high.  Root  fleshy,  resembling  the  last,  but  smaller  in 
proportion  to  the  plant.  Root  leaves  large,  hairy,  divided  into 
three  or  five  diverging  lobes,  which  are  again  repeatedly  sub- 
divided, ending  in  acute  segments  and  teeth.  Petioles  hairy, 
especially  at  their  ends.  Uppermost  leaves  in  three  entire, 
linear  segments.  Stem  erect,  branching.  Flower  stalks  round, 
not  furrowed.  Calyx  spreading  under  the  petals,  not  reflexed. 
Petals  large,  shining,  yellow.  Seeds  in  globular  heads.  This 
plant  spreads  rapidly,  and  is  exceedingly  troublesome  in  mea- 
dows and  mowing  ground.  Being  cut  with  hay,  it  would  no 
doubt  be  pernicious  to  cattle,  were  not  its  acrimony  lost  by 
drying.     It  flowers  all  summer.— -Perennial. 


Class  Xin,    Order  YI,  139 

Ranunculus  repens.  L.  Creeping  crowfoot. 

Calyx  spreading  ;  flower  stalks  furrowed ;  sci- 
ons creeping ;  leaves  compound.  L, 

The  flowers  of  this  and  the  two  last  are  very  similar,  and 
confounded  under  the  common  name  of  Butter  cups.  An  at- 
tention to  the  calyx  and  flower  stalks  readily  distinguishes  tliem. 
In  this  the  leaves  are  mostly  ternate,  lobed  and  toothed,  often 
marked  with  a  light  spot  at  their  sinuses.  The  plant  sends  out 
long,  prostrate  stems  or  runners,  which  sufficiently  distinguish 
it  from  the  others.  Flower  stalks  furrowed  as  in  Ranunculus 
bulbosus,  calyx  spreading  as  in  Ranunculus  acris.  Petals 
bright  yellow,  often  emarginate. — Shady  places. — Flowering  all 
summer. — Perennial. 

Ranunculus  fluviatilis.  River  crowfoot. 

Leaves  all  dicliotomous,  capillary ;  stem  floats 
ing.    Willd. 

Syn.     Rawunculus  flu  if  a  us.  Poh\ 

This  is  undoubtedly  a  distinct  species  from  Ranunculus 
aquatilis,  having  its  leaves  all  capillary  in  the  stillest  water. 
Its  flowers  are  yellow.  Stem  long,  smooth,  furnished  at  regu- 
lar intervals  with  nearly  sessile  leaves,  divided  by  regular  forks 
into  innumerable  capillary  segments.  The  flowers  only 
emerge  from  the  water.  Peduncles  smooth,  furroAved.  Calyx 
leaves  fleshy,  concave.  Petals  smaller  than  in  Ranunculus  bul- 
bosus. Nectaries  tubular.  Fruit  in  ovate  heads,  the  seeds 
ending  in  a  long,  sharp  point. — In  a  pond  on  Brighton  road  and 
elsewhere  in  deep  water. — June, 

172,     MAGNOLIA. 

Magnolia  glauca.  L.  Beaver  tree. 

Leaves  elliptic,  obtuse,  glaucous  underneath : 
petals  obovate. 


140  Class  XIII.     Order  VI. 

The  only  species  of  this  superb  genus,  that  has  been  found 
native  in  our  climate.  It  attains  the  height  of  a  dozen  feet,  but 
is  sometimes  killed  down  to  the  roots  by  severe  winters. 
Leaves  perfectly  oval,  glaucous  or  ash  coloured  underneath. 
Flowers  large,  white,  solitary  on  the  ends  of  the  branches,  fra- 
grant. Petals  concave,  inversely  ovate.  Fruit  ovate,  some- 
what conical.  The  bark  is  highly  aromatic,  and  possesses  me- 
dicinal properties.  It  grows  plentifully  in  a  sheltered  swamp 
at  Gloucester,  Cape  Ann,  twenty  five  miles  from  Boston, 
which  is  perhaps  its  most  northerp  boundary. — June,  July. 


Class  XIV.     Order  I.  144 


Class  XIV.       DIDYNAMIA.       Four  stamens, 
two  long  and  tivo  short. 

Order  I.        GYMJS^OSTERMM.        Seeds  naked. 

A.     Calyxes  mostly  fi-oe  cleft. 

173.  Glechoma.  Anthers  approaching  each 
other  in  pairs,  each  pair  forming  a  cross. 

174.  Mentha.  Corolla  nearly  equal,  four 
cleft ;  the  broadest  segment  notched  ;  stamens 
straight,  distant. 

175.  Teucrium.  Corolla  without  any  upper 
lip  ;  stamens  projecting  through  a  fissure  in  the 
upper  side  of  the  tube ;  sides  of  the  fissure  divari- 
cate. 

176.  Leonurus.  Corolla  with  the  upper  lip 
erect,  concave,  undivided,  hairy ;  lower  lip  three 
parted,  with  the  middle  segment  undivided  ;  sta- 
mens longer  than  the  orifice. 

177-  Stachys.  Corolla  with  the  lateral  seg- 
ments of  the  lower  lip  reflected  at  the  side  ;  sta- 
mens when  old  bent  outwards. 

178.  Nepeta.  Corolla  with  the  lower  lip  ere- 
nate  ;  the  orifice  with  a  refiected  margin  ;  stamens 
approximate. 

179.  Brachystemum.  Tube  of  the  corolla  as 
long  as  the  calyx ;  orifice  without  hairs ;  stamen* 
nearly  equal,  very  short,  included  in  tlie  corolla. 

180.  Pycnanthemum.     Tube  of  the  corolla  as 


14S  Class  XIV.     Order  II. 

long  as  the  calyx ;  upper  lip  mostly  entire ;  sta- 
mens distant,  two  as  long  as  the  upper  lip,  two  short- 
er ;  heads  with  many  bractes. 

181.  Verbena.  Calyx  with  one  tooth  trun- 
cated ;  corolla  nearly  equal,  curved ;  stamens  two 
or  four ;  seeds  tAVo  or  four. 

B.     Calyxes  two  lip/ied. 

183.  Scutellaria.  Calyx  furnished  with 
a  lid,  which  closes  after  flowering.  ^ 

183.  Prunella.  Filaments  forked  ;  one  point 
of  the  fork  bearing  the  anther ;  stigma  cloven. 

184.  Trichostema.  Corolla  with  the  upper 
lip  falcated  ;  stamens  very  long. 

Order  II.         AJ^GIOSPERMM.        Seeds  in  a  vessel. 

185.  Melampyrum.  Calyx  four  cleft;  corol- 
la personate,  compressed  at  top  ;  capsule  two  cell- 
ed ;  seeds  double,  gibbous,  smooth. 

186.  ScROPHULARiA.  Calyx  five  cleft ;  corol- 
la somewhat  globular,  reversed ;  the  middle  seg- 
ment of  the  lip  placed  internally ;  capsule  two 
celled. 

187.  Antirrhinum.  Calyx  five  parted,  corol- 
la personate,  with  a  prominent  nectary  underneath  ; 
capsule  two  celled. 

188.  Pedicularis.  Calyx  five  cleft ;  corolla 
with  the  upper  lip  compressed  and  emarginate ; 
capsule  two  celled,  oblique,  pointed  ;  seeds  few. 

189.  GrERARDiA.  Calyx  five  leaved;  corolla 
somewhat  salver-shaped,  two  lipped;    lower   lip 


Class  XIV.     Order  II,  14S 

three  lobed,    lobes    emarginate,  middle    one   two 
parted  ;  capsule  two  celled,  bursting  at  base. 

190.  MiMULUs.  Calyx  prismatic  ;  corolla  with 
the  upper  lip  reflected  at  the  sides ;  capsule  two 
celled,  many  seeded, 

491.  Chelone.  Calyx  five  leaved,  corolla  in- 
flated, the  lips  closed ;  rudiment  of  a  fifth  glabrous^ 
filament  between  the  upper  stamens. 


l^^Jj  Class  XIV.     Order  I. 


DIDYNAMIA. 

GFMJ\''OSPERMM, 

173.     GLECHOMA. 

Glechoma  hederacea.  L.  Ground  Ivy.     Gill. 

Leaves  reniform,  crenate. 

A  creeping  plant,  usually  found  about  fences  or  in  shady- 
places.  Stems  square,  procumbent.  Leaves  opposite,  petiol- 
ed,  heart  or  kidney  shaped,  crenate,  hairy.  Flowers  in  whorls, 
a  few  together.  Calyx  striated,  ending  in  five  unequal,  pointed 
segments.  Corolla  blue,  the  upper  lip  straight,  the  lower  ex- 
panded, three  lobed,  the  middle  lobe  emarginate.  Each  pair  of 
anthers  meet,  forming  a  cross.  Ground  ivy  has  a  peculiar 
strong  taste  and  smell,  and  possesses  some  medicinal  reputa- 
tion.—May,  June.— Perennial. 

174.     MENTHA. 

Mentha  borealis.  Mich.  Horse-mint., 

Ascending,  low,  pubescent;  leaves  petioled, 
oval-lanceolate,  acute  at  both  ends ;  flowers  in 
whorls,  stamens  projecting.  Mich, 

Inhabits  the  banks  of  rivulets  and  ditches.  Stem  square, 
downy.  Leaves  opposite,  on  downy  petioles,  oval,  acute,  ser- 
rate, the  upper  ones  lanceolate.  Flowers  in  regular,  axillary 
whorls,  on  short  peduncles.  Stamens  somewhat  longer  than 
the  corolla. — June,  July. — Perennial.  The  taste  and  proper- 
ties resemble  those  of  Pennyroyal. 

Mentha  viridis.  L.  Spear-mint. 

Spikes  interrupted ;  leaves  sessUe,  lanceolate, 


Class  XIY.     Order!.  145 

acute,   naked ;    bractes   setaceous,   and,  with  the 
calyx  teeth,  somewhat  hairy.  Sm. 

This  well  known  mint  spreads  rapidly  by  its  creeping  roots 
in  moist  places.  Stems  erect,  smooth,  acute-angled.  Leaves 
sessile,  lanceolate,  acute,  serrate,  smooth.  Spikes  long,  acute, 
consisting  of  distinct,  remote  whorls.  Pedicels  glabrous. 
Flowers  purple.  The  whole  plant  has  a  pleasant,  aromatic 
flavor,  well  known. — ^Flowers  in  August. — Perennial. 

175.     TEUCRIUM. 
Teuorium  Canadense.  L.  Wild  Germander. 

Stem  herbaceous,  erect ;  leaves  lanceolate,  ser- 
rate, whitish  underneath ;  spike  crowded,  many 
flowered,  long.  Mich, 

Stem  erect,  square,  downy,  a  foot  or  more  in  height. 
Leaves  opposite,  soft  with  fine  down,  lanceolate,  acute,  serrate. 
Spike  formed  of  small  whorls  of  flowers,  furnished  with  short 
bractes.  Calyx  downy,  its  segments  rather  blunt.  Corolla 
pale  red,  the  stamens  issuing  from  a  fissure  in  the  upper  side- 
— Road  sidC)  Cambridgeport. — July. — Perennial. 

176.    LEONURUS. 
Leonurus  cardiaca.  L.  Motherwort. 

Upper  leaves  lanceolate,  three  lobed  or  entire. 
Sm, 

A  common  plant  among  rubbish  and  about  walls.  Stem 
two  or  three  feet  high,  large,  square,  downy.  Lower  leaves 
lobed  and  broad,  the  upper  ones  narrower,  the  highest  of  these 
lanceolate,  entire ;  all  of  them  spreading  or  bent  downwards, 
doAvny  underneath.  Flowers  in  many  whorls.  Calyx  teeth 
rigid  and  prickly ;  corolla  hairy  without,  variegated  with  white 
and  red  within.  The  herb  has  a  strong,  pungent  odour,  and  is 
a  popular  remedy  in  considerable  request.— July  .-^Perennial. 
19 


146  Class  XIV.     Order  I. 

177.     STACHYS. 
Stachys  aspera.  Jlick.  Hedge  nettle.     Woundwort. 

Stem  erect,  hairy  backward ;  leaves  somewhat 
petioled,  lanceolate,  sharply  serrate ;  spike  of 
whorls  about  six  flowered ;  calyx  with  firm  pric- 
kles. Mich. 

Stem  square,  a  foot  high,  the  angles  furnished  with  reflexed 
hairs.  Leaves  lanceolate,  serrate,  somewhat  heart  shaped  at 
base,  the  upper  surface  and  nerves  underneath  covered  with 
hairs.  Flowers  in  whorls,  constituting  a  leafy,  terminal  spike, 
red.  Calyx  teeth  prickly.  Stamens  in  the  old  flowers  bent  out- 
ward, forming  an  angle  over  the  edge  of  the  corolla. — Road 
sides,  Chelsea,  Brighton. — June,  July. — Perennial. 

178.     NEPETA. 
Nepeta  c  atari  a.  L.  Catmint  or  Cafnep, 

Flowers  spiked ;  the  whorls  slightly  peduncu- 
lated. Leaves  on  footstalks,  heart-shaped,  tooth 
seiTated.  Sm. 

This  well  known  plant  grows  every  where  in  dry  soils, 
about  fences  and  buildings.  Its  name  is  derived  from  the  great 
partiality  of  cats  for  the  odour  of  the  plant.  Stem  two  or  three 
feet  high,  square  and  downy.  Leaves  long-heart  shaped,  ser- 
rate, pale  underneath,  covered  with  soft  doAvn.  Calyx  ribbed. 
Corolla  tubular,  upper  lip  straight,  lower  lip  with  the  middle 
lobe  spreading,  crenate,  elegantly  dotted. — July. — Perennial. 

179.     BRACHYSTEMUM. 
Brachystemum  Virginicum.  Mich.  Virginia  thyme. 

Stem  erect,  somewhat  pubescent ;  leaves  lan- 
ceolate or  linear,  entire,  smooth ;  heads  somewhat 
fascicled.  Mich.  ahr. 

%n.     TnrMus  Fircinicus.  L. 


Class  XIY,     Order  I.  147 

An  erect  plant  with  fastigiate  branches.  Stem  square,  dow- 
ny at  the  angles.  Leaves  opposite,  rigid,  very  narrow,  round- 
ed at  base,  and  tapering  to  a  long,  acute  point.  Under  a  magni- 
fier they  appear  covered  with  fine,  black  dots.  Flowers  in  nu- 
merous small  heads,  mostly  terminal.  Taste  like  pennyroyal. 
— By  fences  and  woods. — July,  August.— Perennial. 

180.     PYCNANTHEMUM. 

Pycnanthemum  incanum.  Mich.  Wild  Basil, 

Stem  pubescent;  leaves  petioled,  oval,  acumi- 
nate, serrate,  white-downy ;  heads  compound,  ter- 
minal and  lateral ;  bractes  setaceous.  Mich.  abr. 

Syn.     Clinqpodium  incanum.  L. 

A  white  looking  plant,  covered  with  soft  down.  Stem  one 
or  two  feet  high,  covered  with  soft  down,  especially  toward  the 
top.  Leaves  oval,  pointed,  Avith  a  few  remote  serratures  on  the 
sides,  soft  and  velvetrlike,  white  underneath.  Flowers  on  white, 
branching  footstalks,  in  lateral  and  terminal  whorls  or  heads. 
Bractes  numerous,  white,  the  inner  ones  setaceous.  Corollas 
projecting,  pale,  spotted  with  purple.— Woods  and  mountains. 
— July,  August.— Perennial. 

Pycnanthemum  aristatum.  Mich.  Wild  Basil. 

Whitish  ;  leaves  lance-oval,  somewhat  serrate, 
on  short  petioles  ;  whorls  and  terminal  head  ses- 
sile 5  bractes  linear,  awned.  Mich.  abr. 

Syn.       J^EPEfA    ViRGINICA.    L. 

Stem  erect,  a  foot  or  more  in  height,  downy.  Leaves  op- 
posite, ovate,  acuminate,  slightly  serrate,  dotted  under  a  mag- 
nifier, the  upper  ones  hoary  with  white  down.  Each  branch 
has  one  or  two  downy,  sessile  whorls,  and  a  terminal  head. 
Bractes  acuminated  with  a  sort  of  awn.     Flowers  small.     Both 


148  Class  XIV.     Order  h 

these  species  have  a  strong,  pungent  taste,  much  like  penny- 
royal.— Chelsea,  road  side. — July,  August. — Perennial. 

181.    VERBENA. 
Verbena  hastata.  L.  Common  blue  Vervain. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  serrate,  acuminate,  the  low- 
er ones  lobed ;  spikes  erect,  filiform,  panicled ;  sta- 
mens four. 

A  tall,  shewy  plant,  common  by  road  sides  in  low  ground. 
Stem  three  or  four  feet  high.  Leaves  opposite,  rough,  sharply 
serrate,  tapering  to  a  long  point ;  the  lower  ones  broader,  with 
commonly  a  lobe  on  each  side  at  base,  giving  them  somewhat 
a  hastate  form.  Spikes  numerous,  erect,  slender.  The  flow- 
ering commences  at  their  base,  and  is  long  in  reaching  their 
summit.  Flowers  close,  of  a  dark  purplish  hue,  with  four  sta- 
mens.—July,  September.-^Perennial. 

Verbena  urtioifolia.  L.  JSTettle  leaved  Vervain. 

Leaves  oval,  serrate,  acute,  petioled;  spikes 
divergent,  filiform,  panicled  ;  stamens  four. 

Common  among  rubbish,  about  fences  and  buildings.  Stem 
erect,  two  or  three  feet  in  height.  Leaves  broad,  oval  or  ovate, 
rough,  undivided.  Panicles  of  long,  very  slender,  flexile 
spikes,  diverging  or  divaricated,  with  distinct,  somewhat  re- 
mote flowers,  not  imbricate  like  the  last.  Flowers  small, 
white.    A  weed  of  no  beauty.' — July,  August. — Perennial. 

182.    SCUTELLARIA. 
Scutellaria  lateriflora.  L.  Side  flowering  Scullcaf. 

Leaves  smooth,  rough  on  the  keel ;  racemes  la- 
teral, leafy,  L, 

Stem  square,  branching.  Leaves  on  petioles  of  consider- 
able length,  ovate,  acute,  toothed,  mostly  smooth.     Racemes 


Class  XIV.     Order  I.  14!9 

on  long,  axillary  stalks.  Flowers  small,  blue,  numerous,  inter- 
spei  sed  with  small  leaves.  The  singularity  of  this  genus  con- 
sists in  the  form  of  the  calyx,  which  is  furnished  with  a  ridge  on 
the  upper  side,  the  part  beyond  tliis  serving  as  a  lid.  After 
the  corolla  falls,  this  lid  shuts  down  against  the  opposite  side, 
so  as  perfectly  to  inclose  the  seeds.  By  lateral  pressure  the  lid 
opens,  discovering  the  four  seeds  within.— Meadows. — July. — 
Perennial. 

183.     PRUNELLA. 

•Prunella  Pennsylvanioa.  Willd.  Self  heal. 

Leaves  petioled,  ovate-lanceolate,  toothed ;  up- 
per lip  of  the  calyx  truncated,  three  avi^ned ;  stem 
ascending. 

A  handsome  plant,  native  of  meadows  and  moist  pas- 
tures. Stem  nine  or  ten  inches  in  height,  hairy.  Leaves  oppo- 
site, broad-lanceolate,  slightly  toothed,  their  nerves  and  pe- 
tioles hairy,  the  upper  pair  close  to  the  spike  and  sessile. 
Spike  short,  ovate.  Bractes  reniform,  ciliate.  Flowers  rin- 
gent,  purplish.  Calyx  two  lipped,  the  upper  lip  broad  and 
abrupt,  with  three  straight,  short  bristles  or  awns ;  the  lower 
lip  ending  in  two  acute  teeth. — July. — Perennial. 

184.     TRICHOSTEMA. 

Trichostema  dichotoma.  L.  Trichostema. 

Stamens  very  long,  exserted.  L. 

An  annual  plant,  remarkable  for  its  long,  arching  stamens. 
Stem  round,  somewhat  four  sided,  hairy.  Branches  opposite, 
subdivided  in  a  brachiate  manner,  their  last  divisions  common- 
ly, though  not  always,  dichotomous.  Leaves  oval-lanceolate, 
obtuse,  entire.  Flowers  numerous,  terminal.  Calyx  swelling, 
its  upper  lip  of  two  short,  acute  teeth  ;  lower  lip  twice  as  long, 
three  toothed.     Corolla  purple,  with  two  long,  slender  stamens 


150  Class  XIV.     Order  II. 

projecting  from  one  side  and  arching  over  to  meet  the  other. 
Seeds  with  an  indented  surface.  In  sandy  pastures  and  hills. — 
August. — Annual. 

JIJSTGIOSPERMM. 

185.    MELAMPYRUM. 

Melampyrum  Americanum.  Mich.  Cow-wheat. 

Leaves  linear-lanceolate^  the  uppermost  with  a 
few  setaceous  teeth  at  base  ;  flowers  axillary. 

Pretty  common  in  woods-  Stem  erect,  smooth,  branching, 
less  than  a  foot  in  height.  Leaves  opposite,  lanceolate,  smooth, 
entire,  with  a  long,  obtuse  point,  the  upper  ones  furnished  with 
several  bristle-like  teeth  at  base.  Flowers  axillary,  whitish, 
slender.  Capsules  flat,  acute,  pointing  downward,  containing 
four  seeds.^June,  July. — Annual. 

186.     SCROPHULARIA. 

SoROPHULARIA  MaRILANDICA.    i*  FigWOVt. 

Leaves  cordate,  serrate,  acute,  rounded  at  base ; 
stem  obtuse- angled.  L. 

A  tall,  erect  plant  with  flowers  resembling  capsules.  Stem 
square  with  blunt  corners,  smooth  except  at  the  joints,  where 
there  is  a  slight  pubescence  between  the  petioles.  Leaves  op?- 
posite,  oblong,  obtuse  at  base,  tapering  to  an  acute  point,  ser- 
rate. Panicle  ei'ect,  with  opposite  branches.  Flowers  small, 
someAvhat  globular.  Calyx  teeth  obtuse.  Corolla  reversed,  of 
a  dark,  brownish  colour,  the  lip  with  an  internal  prominence, 
which  may  be  mistaken  for  a  fifth  stamen.  Capsule  globular, 
lipped  with  the  style. — Lynn  beach  island. — August. — Peren- 
nial. 


Class  XIV.     Order  II.  151 

187.  ANTIRRHINUM. 

Antirrhinum  Linaria.  L.  Toad  flax. 

Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  crowded;  stem  erect; 
spikes  terminal,  sessile ;  flowers  imbricate.  L, 

The  yellow  spikes  of  this  plant  are  very  common  by  road- 
sides, though  it  is  not  probable,  that  the  species  is  indigenous. 
Stem  one  or  two  feet  high,  nearly  smooth.  Leaves  numerous, 
narrow,  and  pointed,  smooth.  Branches  numerous,  axillary, 
bearing  tufts  of  leaves.  Spike  long,  crowded  with  yellow  flow- 
ers, the  corolla  furnished  with  a  long,  hollow  spur  below.  The 
mouth  is  closed  with  a  protviberant  palate  from  the  under  lip, 
and  gapes  open  upon  lateral  pressure,  a  character  which  has 
given  the  genus  the  name  of  Sna/i  dragon. — July,  August.— 
Perennial. 

Antirrhinum  Canadense.  L,  Canada  Snap  dragon. 

Leaves  alternate,  linear,  remote,  glabrous  ; 
flowers  racemed  ;  stem  simple,  scions  procumbent, 
Willd. 

A  slender,  annual  plant,  seldom  exceeding  a  foot  in  height. 
Stem  erect,  smooth.  Leaves  small,  scattered,  erect,  linear,  ob- 
tuse. Flowers  in  a  loose,  terminal  raceme,  small,  blue.  Up- 
per lip  of  the  corolla  reflexed,  the  lower  much  larger,  spread- 
ing. Spur  filiform,  acute.  Some  leafy,  procumbent  scions 
occasionally  proceed  from  the  root. — Road  sides. — 'July,  Au- 
gust. 

188.  PEDICULARIS. 
Pedicula'ris  Canadensis.  L.  Louse-wort. 

Stem  simple,  spike  somewhat  leafy ;  helmet  of 
the  corolla  with  two  setaceous  teeth  :  calyx  trun- 
cated downward.  L. 


152  Class  XIV.     Order  II. 

Stem  erect,  under  a  foot  in  height,  downy  at  top.  Leaves 
dark  green,  lanceolate,  with  crenate  lobes,  obtuse,  smooth. 
Spike  terminal,  short,  crowded,  leafy.  Calyx  cut  off  in  an  ob- 
lique direction  downward.  Corolla  yellowish,  the  upper  lip 
forming  a  long  helmet,  its  point  square,  with  a  small  acute  tooth 
on  each  side  ;  lower  lip  three  lobed. — Pastures.— May.— Peren- 
nial. 

189.    GERARDIA. 

Gerardia  flava.  L.  Yellow  Gerardia. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  pinnate-dentate ;  stem  sim- 
ple. X. 

One  of  the  most  showy  of  our  wild  wood  flowers.  Stem 
erect,  one  or  two  feet  in  height,  pubescent.  Leaves  opposite, 
the  lower  ones  more  or  less  pinnatifid  and  cut,  the  upper  ones 
lanceolate,  entire  or  serrate,  obtusely  pointed.  Spike  terminal, 
few  flowered.  Flowers  opposite,  trumpet  shaped,  large,  yel- 
low. Peduncles  short,  downy.  Stamens  somewhat  woolly ; 
anthers  with  two  points  at  the  base.  The  whole  plant  turns 
black  in  drying. — Woods. — August.— Perennial. 

Gerardia  Pedicularia.  X,  Bushy  Gerardia. 

Leaves  oblong,  twice  serrate;  stem  panicled, 
calyxes  crenate.  L. 

A  tall,  bushy  plant,  which  would  be  one  of  the  most  orna- 
mental, were  not  its  flowers  very  perishable,  and  deciduous. 
Stem  erect,  with  numerous  opposite  branches.  Leaves  pinnat- 
ifid, with  serrate  lobes.  Peduncles  hairy.  The  structure  of 
the  flowers  is  very  elegant.  The  calyx  ends  in  five  spreading 
leafets,  indented  on  their  margin.  Corolla  yellow,  downy  with- 
out, trumpet  shaped,  with  spreading  lobes.  The  leaves  and 
flowers  turn  black  in  drying. — Dry  woods. — Very  common  at 
Sweet  Auburn,  Cambridge. — August. — Perennial. 


Class  XIV.     Order  II.  153 

Gerab-dia  purpurea.  L.  Purple  Gerardia. 

Stem  with  many  opposite  brandies ;  leaves 
narrow-linear ;  flowers  scattered,  purple,  sub  fcs,- 
sile.  Mich. 

An  annual  species,  much  smaller  tha'i  the  preceding.  Stem 
erect,  smooth,  branching.  Leaves  opposite,  linear,  entire,  curl- 
ing when  the  plant  droops.  Flowers  purple,  frequently  oppo- 
site, on  short  peduncles.  Calyx  teeth  acute. — Common  in  pas- 
tures and  road  sides  in  moist  ground.— August. — Annual. 

190.  MIMULUS. 

MiMULWs  RiNGENs.  L.  MotiJcey  flower. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  acuminate,  glabrous,  sessile  | 
peduncles  longer  than  the  flower.   Willd, 

A  handsome  plant,  fond  of  wet  soils,  where  it  attains  .the 
height  of  two  feet  and  upward.  Stem  erect,  smooth.  Leaves 
opposite,  closely  sessile,  serrate,  tapering  to  an  obtuse  point. 
Peduncles  axillary,  curving  upwards.  Calyx  tubular,  with  fiv€ 
acute  angles,  and  as  many  pointed  teeth.  Corolla  much  longer 
than  the  calyx,  blue,  contracted  at  the  mouth,  with  spreading 
segments. — July,  August.— Perennial. 

191.  CHELONE, 

Chelone  glabra.  jL.  •f'  Snake-head. 

Glabrous  ;  leaves  oval  or  lanceolate,  unequally 
serrate  ;  flowers  spiked^  Mich. 

Found  in  brooks  and  wet  ground,  where  it  forms  bunches. 
and  rises  two  or  three  feet.  Stem  smooth,  bluntly  four  corner- 
ed. Leaves  opposite,  lanceolate,  acuminate,  dark  green  and 
polished  above.  FloAvers  in  a  terminal  spike,  a  few  only  ex- 
panding at  once.  Calyx  nearly  sessile,  with  five  short  rounded 
20 


154!  Class  XIV.     Order  II, 

segments.  Corolla  large,  white,  inflated,  contracted  at  the 
mouth,  not  unlike  the  head  of  a  serpent ;  the  lower  lip  in  three 
small  segments,  with  two  woolly  stripes  within.  Filaments  hairy 
below.  The  rudiment  of  a  fifth  filament  appears  to  be  wanting 
in  this  species. — Roxbury,  Cambridge.— August,  September.— 
Perennial. 


Class  XV.     Order  11.  155 


Class  XV.     TETRADYN^JVLIA.  Six  stamens, 
four  hng  and  two  short. 

Order  L    8ILICUL0SJ1.    Seeds  in  a  silicle. 

193.  Lepidium.  Silicle  elliptic,  emarginate, 
the  valves  carinate  but  not  margined. 

193.  Thlaspi.  Silicle  inversely  heart  shaped, 
the  valves  carinate  and  margined. 

194.  BuNiAS.  Silicle  deciduous  without  open- 
ing, somewhat  four  sided,  two  of  its  angles  more 
acute. 

Order  II.    SILI€(lJ08Ji.    Seeds  in  a  silique, 

195.  Raphanus.  Silique  cylindrical,  swelling 
at  the  seeds,  somewhat  jointed. 

196.  Cardamine.  Silique  bursting  elastically, 
the  valves  re  volute,  and  equal  to  the  partition. 

197*  Sisymbrium.  Silique  cylindrical,  open- 
ing with  nearly  straight  valves ;  valves  equalling 
the  partition. 

198.  Erysimum.  Calyx  closed;  stigma  capi- 
tate; silique  columnar,  square. 

199.  SiNAPis.  Calyx  spreading;  silique  cy- 
lindrical, with  the  partition  longer  than  the  valves. 


156  Class  XV.     Order  I. 

TETI!  ADYNAMIA. 

SILICULOSJl. 

192.    LEPIDIUM. 
Lepidium  ViRGixicuM.  L.  Wild  cress  or  pe-jpiiergrass. 

Radical  leaves  pinnatifid ;  stem  leaves  linear- 
lanceolate,  serrate ;  flowers  with  four  petals  and 
two  (stamens  ;  silicle  lenticular.  Mich,  abr, 

Syn.     Thlaspi  Fjrginjanum.  Poir. 

Frequent  by  road  sides,  flowering  during  most  of  the  sum- 
mer and  autumn.  Stem  woody  and  branching,  round,  smooth. 
Branches  numerous,  alternate.  Leaves  of  the  rOot  pinnatifid,  of 
the  stem  lanceolate,  glabrous,  furnished  with  a  remote  tooth  or 
two.  Racemes  terminal,  long,  naked.  Pedicels  capillary. 
Flowers  very  small,  diandrous,  white.  Silicles  flat,  orbicular, 
with  a  deep  notch  in  the  end.  Taste  like  common  Garden 
cress  or  peppergrass, 

193.     THLASPI. 
Thlaspi  Bursa  pasforis.  L.         Common  Shepherd^s  purse. 

Hairy,  silicle  inversely  heart  shaped,  somewhat 
triangular ;  radical  leaves  pinnatifid.  Sm. 

Equally  common  with  the  last,  in  pastures  and  road  sides, 
continuing  to  flower  during  most  of  the  vegetating  season.  Stem 
branching,  round.  Root  leaves  numerous,  spreading,  pinnatifid, 
toothed,  somewhat  hairy.  Stem  leaves  oblong,  toothed,  arrow 
shaped  at  base,  closely  sessile.  Flowers  small,  white.  Silicle 
smooth)  inversely  heart  shaped,  crowned  with  the  short  style.—- 
Annual. 


Class  XV.     Order  11.  157 

194.    BUNIAS. 

fiuNiAs  EDENTULA.  (mUiL)  American  sea  rocket. 

JBunias  foliis  obovatis,  sinuatis ;  siliciilis  gla* 
hris,  articulis  hinis,  monospermiSy  edentulis. 

Leaves   obovate,   sinuate  ;     silicles   with  two 
smooth,  one  seeded,  toothless  joints. 

A  fleshy,  maritime  plant,  found  on  various  parts  of  the  sea 
coast.  Stem  glabrous,  flexuous,  deeply,  and  irregularly  fur- 
rowed, very  much  branched.  Leaves  fleshy,  smooth,  obovate, 
toothed  and  sinuated,  caducous.  Branches  axillary,  leafy. 
Spikes  or  racemes  terminal.  Flowers  on  short,  fleshy  pedun- 
cles. Calyx  of  four  erect,  fleshy  segments.  Petals  spreading, 
rounded  at  the  end.  Stamens  nearly  equal,  longer  than  the  ca- 
lyx. Stigma  concave.  Silicles  smooth,  roundish,  consisting  of 
two  one  seeded  joints,  the  lower  one  somewhat  globular,  with- 
out teeth  or  prominences,  marked  on  each  side  with  a  longitud- 
inal, depressed  line,  sometimes  abortive.  Upper  joint  ovate, 
round,  marked  on  each  side  with  an  elevated  line,  terminating 
m  a  flat,  '^ma.rginate,  or  three  toothed  beak.  Seeds  facing  dif- 
ferent ways.  The  silicle  is  drupaceous,  and  in  drying  becomes 
quadrangular.  The  plant  is  succulent  and  heavy. — Grows 
abundantly  at  Cape  Ann.  Found  also  at  South  Boston, — July. 
—Annual. 

siLiquosA. 

195.    RAPHANUS. 

RxtHANUB  Raphanistrum.  L,  Wild  radish. 

Pods  round,  jointed,  smooth,  of  one  cell.  L, 

A  hardy  weed,  frequent  in  the  gravel  by  road  sides,  but 
most  troublesome  in  cultivated  fields.  Stem  branching,  round, 
bristly,  glaucous.  Leaves  rough,  lower  ones  lyrate,  upper  ones 
toothed.  Calyx  bristly.  Petals  spreading,  yellow,  turning 
white  as  they  grow  old,  not  unfrequently  of  a  light  blue.    Pods 


158  Class  XV.     Order  JI. 

erect,  knobbed,  tapering,  smooth,  ending  in  along  beak.  When 
dry,  they  are  striated,  and  abruptly  contracted  between  the  cells, 
which  are  hard  and  somewhat  bony.  On  cutting  the  pod  across 
between  the  seeds,  it  appears  two  celled.  The  seeds  however 
are  contained  between  the  laminae  of  the  apparent  partition. 

196.  CARDAMINE. 

Card  AMINE  Pennsvlvanica.  Muhl.    American  Water  Cresa^ 

Leaves  pinnate ;  leafets  angular-toothed,  obtuse. 
WUld. 

Found  in  brooks  and  ponds,  growuig  under  water,  except 
its  upper  leaves  and  flowers.  Leaves  alternate,  smooth,  pin- 
nate ;  leafets  oblong,  rounded  at  the  end,  with  a  few  large  teeth 
on  each  side,  the  terminal  leafet  much  exceeding  the  rest  in 
size.  The  leafets  in  the  upper  leaves  are  entire.  Flowers 
small,  white.  Pods  narrow,  erect,  an  inch  or  more  in  length.— 
Brighton. — May. 

197.  SISYMBRIUM. 

Sisymbrium  Nasturtium.  L.  European  Water  Cress. 

Pods  declining ;  leaves  pinnate,  leafets  round- 
ish heart  shaped.  Sm. 

Found  in  clear,  fi-esh  water,  in  brooks  and  ponds.  Stems 
spreading  or  floating  in  the  water,  angular,  branched,  rooting 
at  base.  Leaves  mostly  immersed  or  floating,  pinnate,  the  leaf- 
ets rounded,  with  a  few  obtuse  lobes  or  teeth.  Flowers  white. 
Pods  shortish,  on  spreading  footstalks.  The  taste  is  pungent 
and  pleasant.— -In  small  ponds,  Roxbury,  Cambridge.— .June. 

198.     ERYSIMUM. 
Erysimum  officinale.  L.  Hedge  mustard. 

Pods  pressed  close  to  the  main  stalk  5  leaves 
runciuate.  L. 


i 


Class  XV.     Order  II,  159 

The  whole  plant  is  more  or  less  hairy,  and  attains  the  height 
of  about  two  feet.  Stem  round  ;  branches  given  off  at  a  large 
angle,  and  curving.  Leaves  lyrate-runcinate.  The  fruitful 
branches  are  long  and  slender,  covered  with  close,  sessile  pods, 
and  ending  in  yellow  flowers. — About  rubbish  and  cultivated 
ground. — All  summer. — Annual. 

199.     SINAPIS. 

SiNAPis  NIGRA.  L.  Common  mustard. 

Pods  smooth,  four  cornered,  pressed  close  to 
the  raceme ;  upper  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  entire, 
smooth.  Sm, 

Very  common  in  cultivated  and  waste  grounds ;  usually  re- 
garded as  a  weed,  though  its  seeds  furnish  the  common  table 
mustard.  Stem  round,  striated,  smooth,  three  or  four  feet  high, 
branching.  Leaves  variously  lobed  and  toothed,  the  lower  ones 
rough,  upper  ones  smooth,  deflexed,  the  highest  narrow,  small, 
entire.  Flowers  numerous  and  showy.  Calyx  and  corolla  yel- 
low. Pods  erect,  close  to  the  stalk,  quadrangular,  ending  in  a 
short  beak.— June,  July. — Annual. 


160  Class  XVI.     Order  Vin. 


Class  XVI.    MONADELPHIA.  Stamens 

united  by  their  filaments  into  one  parcel. 

Order  I.         TRMJSTDRM.     Three  stamens. 

aOO.  SiSYRiNCHiuM.  Spathe  two  leaved ;  pe- 
tals six,  nearly  equal ;  capsule  inferior,  three  cell- 
ed. 

Order  Y.    DECiJ^DRM.     Ten  stamens. 

SOI.  Geranium.  Calyx  five  leaved  ;  petals 
five,  regular ;  nectary  five  glands  on  the  base  of  the 
longer  filaments  ;  fruit  beaked,  separating  into  five 
one  seeded  capsules. 

202.  OxALis.  Calyx  five  leaved ;  petals  five, 
connected  at  base ;  capsule  superior,  five  celled, 
five  angled,  opening  at  the  angles, 

Order  Vlll.     POLTA^DRM.     Many  stamens. 

203.  Malva.  Calyx  double,  the  outermost 
two  or  three  leaved ;  capsules  numerous,  one  seed- 
ed, disposed  in  a  flat  ring. 

204.  Alth^a.  Calyx  double,  the  outermost 
from  six  to  nine  cleft;  capsules  numerous,  one 
seeded,  in  a  flat  ring. 

205.  Hibiscus.  Calyx  double,  the  outermost 
many  leaved  ;  capsule  five  celled,  many  seeded. 


Class  XVI.     Order  V.  161 


MONADELPHIA. 

200.     SISYRINCHIUM. 
SisYRiNOHiUM  ANCEPs.  BluB  eyed  gvuss* 

Stem  two  edged,  spatlie  longer  tlian  the  flow- 
ers, petals  mucronated,  germs  glabrous. 

Syn.       SlSTRlNCHlUM  CRAMJNEVM.    Curt. 

The  small,  delicate,  blue  flowers  of  this  plant  are  not  unfre- 
quent  among  the  grass  in  moist  ground.  Stem  two  edged,  the 
edges  extending  into  a  wide  margin  ;  smooth,  with  one  or  two 
branches,  often  a  foot  high.  Leaves  linear,  grass  like,  sheath- 
ing at  base.  Spathe  of  two  unequal  leaves,  swelling,  pointed, 
with  from  one  to  six  flowers.  Peduncles  filiform.  Flowers 
shorter  than  the  spathe,  blue.  Germs  smooth.  Petals  six, 
spreading,  terminated  by  a  point.— June,  July. — PerenniaK 

DECJIJ^DRM. 

201.    GERANIUM. 

Oerakium  MAotLATUM.  L.         Spotted  geramum  or  Cranes- 
bill. 

Peduncles  two  flowered  ;  stem  forked,  erect ; 
leaves  five  parted  and  cut,  tlie  upper  ones  sessile. 
L. 

No  family  of  plants  is  more  extensively  cultivated  for  orna- 
ment than  the  Linnaean  genus  Geranium,  since  divided  by  L'He- 
ritier  into  three  genera,  Erodium,  Pelargonium,  and  Gerani- 
um. It  must  be  confessed  that  a  great  number  of  exotic  spe- 
cies are  carefully  propagated  in  green  houses  and  parlours, 
21 


16S  Class  XYL     Order  V. 

which  are  altogether  inferior  to  the  present  very  beautiful  na- 
tive. It  is  very  common  about  fences  and  the  edges  of  woods, 
preferring  a  soil  that  is  somewhat  moist.  Stems  erect,  hairy, 
dividing  by  forks,  or  more  numerous  branches,  one  or  two  feet 
high.  Leaves  large,  spreading,  hairy,  divided  in  a  palmate 
manner  into  five  or  seven  lobes,  which  are  variously  cut  and 
toothed  at  their  extremities,  the  lower  ones  petioled,  the  upper 
ones  nearly  sessile.  As  the  leaves  grow  old,  they  are  usually 
marked  with  pale  spots  about  the  sinuses.  Peduncles  long, 
hairy,  supporting  about  two  flowers.  Calyx  five  leaved,  those 
edges,  which  are  outermost  in  the  bud,  hairy.  Petals  rounded, 
blue.  Fruit  ending  in  a  long  beak,  containing  five  awns,  Avhich 
spring  out  and  scatter  the  seeds  when  npe.  The  root  is  peren- 
nial, very  astringent,  and  useful  for  its  medicinal  praperties.— » 
May,  June. — Perennial. 

Geranium  Robertianum.  L.  Herb  Robert. 

Peduncles  two. flowered;  leaves  somewhat  ped- 
ate,  pinnatifid,  five  angled ;  calyx  ten  angled,  cap- 
sules rugged.    Sm. 

A  branching  plant,  much  smaller  in  its  flowers  and  leaves 
than  the  preceding.  Stem  spreading,  fragile,  commonly  of  a 
reddish  cast.  Leaves  somewhat  hairy,  petioled,  ternate  or 
quinate,  the  divisions  mostly  pinnatifid.  Peduncles  long, 
somewhat  hairy,  with  two  terminal  flowers.  Calyx  hairy.  Pe- 
tals rounded,  pale  purple.  The  whole  plant  has  a  peculiar, 
strong  smell. — Road  sides.  Maiden. — Flowering  most  of  the 
summer  and  autumn. — Annual. 

202-.    OXALIS. 
OxALis  sTRicTA.  L.  Upright  Wood  SorreL 

Peduncles  umbelliferous ;  stem  branching,  e- 
rect.  L. 

This  plant  is  pretty  common  about  the  borders  of  fields  and 


CUssXVl,    Order  YUl.  16E3 

cultivated  grounds.  Stem  erect,  vai7ing  greatly  in  height,  ac- 
cording to  ihe  soil  in  which  the  plant  grows.  Leaves  temate, 
inversely  heart  shaped,  ver}'  thin  and  delicate ;  their  common 
petiole  long  and  slender,  without  stipules.  Peduncles  axillary, 
generally  longer  than  the  petioles,  (in  which  respect  the  plant 
differs  from  that  ot  WUlaenow,)  supporting  small,  terminal 
umbels  of  yellow  flowers.  Fruit  beaked,  erect.— Flowers  all 
summer. 

POLYJiJsrDRM. 

203.  MALVA. 
Malva  rotvndifolia.  L,  Round  leaved  Mallow. 

Stem  prostrate  ;  leaves  roundish,  heart  shaped^ 
obtusely  five  lobed.  Fruit  stalks  bent  downward, 
L. 

Root  fusiform.  Stems  lying  upon  the  ground,  branching. 
Leaves  roundish,  somewhat  reniform,  crenate,  with  five  or  sev- 
en imperfect  lobes.  Petioles  long,  hairy.  Stipules  lanceolate, 
ciliate.  Flower  stalks  axillary,  shorter  than  the  petioles,  sev- 
epl  together,  hairy.  Outer  leaves  of  the  calyx  linear,  inner  ones 
ovate.  Petals  purplish  white,  deeply  emarginate.  Fruit  flat, 
with  numerous  capsules  forming  its  circumference,  the  stalks 
commonly  deflexed. — In  cultivated  ground,  about  houses  and 
side  walks. — All  summer. 

204.    ALTH^A. 
Alth^a  officinalis.  L.  Marsh  Mallow. 

Leaves  downy,  oblong,  ovate,  obtusely  three 
lobed,  toothed.   Willd. 

This  plant  grows  spontaneously  on  the  marshes  at  South 
Boston,  and  is  said  to  be  found  at  other  places  on  the  sea  coast. 
It  is  probably  not  originally  native,  but  imported  from  Europe, 
Root  perennial,  long,  white.     Stem  erect,  firm,  covered  with 


164  Class  XVI.     Order  Ylil, 

thick,  woolly  down.  Leaves  alternate,  ovate,  with  three  or 
more  imperfect  lobes,  toothed,  exceedingly  downy  and  velvet- 
like to  the  touch.  Flowers  large,  axillary  and  terminal.  Calyx 
downy.  Petals  light,  purple,  inversely  heart  shaped.  The 
whole  plant,  especially  the  root,  abounds  in  mucilage,  and  is 
much  used  as  a  demulcent  remedy. — -August,  September.-.- 
Perermial. 

105.     HIBISCUS. 

PiBiscus  PALusTRis.  L.  Marsk  Hibiscus. 

Stem  herbaceous,  simple ;  leaves  ovate,  some- 
what three  lobed,  downy  underneath ;  flowers  ax- 
illary.  Willd. 

A  tall,  handsome  plant.  Stem  erect,  somewhat  downy. 
Leaves  ovate  or  three  lobed,  green  above,  whitish  and  soft  with 
down  underneath,  serrate,  acuminate.  Flowers  nearly  as  large 
as  the  hollyhock,  on  axillary  stalks.  Calyx  downy,  its  outer 
segments  linear.  Corolla  pale  purple.— Found  in  Newton  near 
the  banks  of  Charles  river. — August. — PerenniaK 


Class  XVU.     Order  IV.  165 

Class  XVII.       DIADELPHIA.  Stamens  united 
in  two  distinct  sets. 

Order  III.     OCTAJVDRM.    Eight  stamens. 

506.  PoLYGALA.  Calyx  five  leaved,  two  of  the 
leaves  wing  shaped  and  coloured ;  corolla  with  a 
cylindrical  banner ;  legume  inversely  heart  shaped, 
two  celled. 

Order  IV.     DECJUVDRM.     Ten  stamens. 

507.  GrENiSTA.  Calyx  with  the  upper  lip  two 
toothed,  the  lower  three  toothed  ;  banner  oblong, 
reflected  back  by  the  pistil  and  stamens  ;  stigma 
involute  ;  stamens  all  united. 

208.  LupiNus.  Stamens  all  united ;  anthers 
alternately  rounded  and  oblong  ;  legume  coria- 
ceous, swelling  at  the  seeds. 

209.  Lathyrus.  Style  flat,  villous  above, 
broader  upward ;  two  upper  segments  of  the  calyx 
shorter. 

210.  Trifoi^ium.  Legume  hardly  longer  than 
the  calyx,  falling  off  giitire  ;  flowers  more  or  less  in 
heads. 

211.  Hedysarum.  Calyx  five  cleft;  keel  of 
the  corolla  obtuse  ;  loment  jointed,  the  joints  com- 
pressed and  one  seeded. 

212.  Glycine.  Calyx  two  lipped  ;  keel  of  the 
corolla  turning  back  the  banner  at  the  tip  ;  legume 
one  celled,  many  seeded. 

213.  Medic  AGO.  Legume  spiral,  compressed, 
pushing  the  keel  from  the  banner. 


166  Class  XVn.     Order  Jll 


DIADELPHIA. 

206.    POLYGALA. 

POLYGALA  SANGUINEA.    L,  CttduCOllS  Polygaltt. 

Stem  branching  at  top ;  leaves  alternate,  line- 
ar ;  spikes  headed  ;  flowers  beardless.   Mich,  abr. 

The  purple,  or  rose  coloured  heads  of  this  plant  are  very  ob- 
servable in  moist  ground,  during  the  months  of  August  and 
September.  Stem  erect,  angular,  its  branches  exceeding  the 
main  stem  in  height.  Leaves  alternate,  smooth,  linear-lanceo- 
late. Flowers  in  terminal,  cylindrical  heads.  As  these  heads 
increase  at  their  summit,  the  lower  flowers  fall  off,  leaving  a 
ragged  or  squarrous  peduncle,  on  which  Linnseus  founded  his 
specific  character. 

PoLYGALA  PAUciFOLiA.  Mulil.  few  huved  Polygala, 

Flowers  crested,  terminal,  three  ;  stem  simple, 
erect ;  naked  below  ;  leaves  ovate.   Willd, 

An  exceedingly  delicate,  purple  flowering  plant.  Stem  up- 
right or  ascending,  four  or  five  inches  high,  smooth.  The  low- 
er part  is  naked,  with  the  exception  of  some  small,  remote,  ovai 
scales  or  leafets.  The  leaves  are  four  or  five  in  number,  at  the 
top  of  the  stem,  ovate,  acute,  entire.  Flowers  usually  two  or 
three  at  the  end  of  the  stem,  crested,— Found  at  Brooklyn.-— 
May. — Perennial. 


Class  XVn.     Order  IV.  167 

DECdJVDRM. 

207.  GENISTA.  . 

Genista  tinctoria.  L*  Wood  ivaxen.  Dyers'  weed. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  smooth  5  branches  round, 
striate,  erect,  unarmed.  Sm. 

Root  woody,  tough,  creeping  extensively.  Stems  or  branch- 
es numerous,  erect  or  ascending,  round,  furrowed,  smooth. 
Leaves  alternate,  sessile,  lanceolate,  acute.  Flowers  on  the  up- 
per part  of  the  branches,  axillaiy,  solitary,  nearly  sessile,  bi'ight 
yellow.  This  plant  has  overrun  the  hills  on  the  south  side  of 
Salem,  so  as  to  give  them,  in  the  month  of  Julyj  an  uniformly 
yellow  appearance  at  a  distance.  It  was  probably  imported 
originally  from  Europe.  The  whole  plant  is  said  to  dye  a  fine 
yellow  colour. 

208.  LUPINUS. 

LupiNUS  PERENNis.  L.  Commoii  lupitie. 

Calyxes  alternate  without  appendages,  upper 
lip  emarginate,  lower  entire.  L. 

This  common  garden  flower  grows  wild  very  plentifully  in 
the  woods  at  Watertown.  Stems  erect,  somewhat  hairy. 
Leayes  digitate,  consisting  of  about  eight  or  ten  lanceolate- 
wedge  shaped  leaves,  arranged  like  rays  around  the  end  of  the 
petiole.  They  are  somewhat  hairy  and  pale  underneath.  Flow- 
ers blue,  in  a  terminal  spike  or  raceme. — Perennial. 

209.    LATHYRUS, 
Lathyrus  venosus.  Muhl.  Veiny  Lathyru^. 

Peduncles  many  flowered ;  tendrils  many  leav- 
ed ;  leafets  ovate,  obtuse ;  stipules  half  arrow  shap- 
ed, obtuse.    Willd, 


168  Class  XVir.     Order  IV. 

Stem  angular,  flexous.  Leaves  abruptly  pinnate,  the  peti-* 
ole  ending  in  a  three-cleft  tendril.  Leafets  ovate,  obtuse,  mu- 
cronated,  smooth,  veiny.  Stipules  broad,  half  arrow  shaped, 
acuminate.  Racemes  on  axillary  stalks,  consisting  of  large,  el- 
egant, purple  flowers. — Found  about  the  borders  of  marshes, 
flowering  in  June. — Perennial. 

210.     TRIFOLIUM. 

Trifolium  arvensk.  L.  Field  trefoil. 

Heads  very  hairy,  cylindrical ;  teetli  of  the  ca- 
lyx bristle  shaped,  longer  than  the  corolla  ;  leafets 
narrow-obovate.  Sm. 

This  annual  species  of  trefoil  is  exceedingly  common  in 
loads  and  dry  fields,  flourishing  in  the  most  barren  and  gravel* 
ly  soils.  Stem  erect,  round,  hairy,  branching.  Leaves  on 
short  footstalks,  consisting  of  thi'ee  narrow,  inversely  ovate^ 
hairy  leafets.  The  flowers  grow  in  long,  cylindrical  heads,  or 
spikes  ;  the  calyx  teeth  ending  in  feathery  hairs,  which  project 
beyond  the  corolla,  give  the  heads  a  downy  and  grayish  appear- 
ance.    Pod  very  small,  one  seeded.— -July,  August. 

Trifolium  repens.  L.  White  clover. 

Heads  like  umbels  ;  legumes  four  seeded  ; 
stems  creeping.  L. 

Common  in  pastures,  flowering  from  May  to  September. 
Root  perennial.  Steins  spreading,  leafy,  smooth.  Leaves  on 
long  petioles  ;  leafets  roundish,  acute  at  their  base,  finely  ser- 
rate, commonly  marked  with  a  white,  semicircular  spot.  Flow- 
ers white,  in  a  dense  umbel,  resembling  a  head  ;  corollas  per- 
sistent, enclosing  the  pod,  which  contains  three  or  four  seeds. — . 
White  clover  increases  rapidly,  and  resists  drought.  Cattle  are 
very  fond  of  it,  and  it  forms  one  of  the  best  materials  for  feed  in 
pastures. 


Class  XVII.     Order  IV.  169 

Trifolium  pratense.  L.  Red  clover.    Honeysuckle. 

Spikes  dense  ;  stems  ascending  ;  corollas  une- 
qual ;  four  of  the  calyx  teeth  equal ;  stipules  awn- 
ed.  Sm. 

Stem  oblique,  somewhat  branching,  hairy  toward  the  top. 
Leafets  ovate,  with  usually  a  white  spot  on  the  upper  side, 
somewhat  hairy  underneath.  Stipules  broad,  membranous,  rib- 
bed, ending  in  a  point  or  awn.  Flowers  red,  in  large  ovate 
spikes  resembling  heads,  somewhat  sweet  scented.  Calyx  of 
five  segments,  the  lowest  longest.  Banner  of  the  corolla  long- 
er than  the  wings  and  keel.  The  excellence  of  red  clover  for 
hay  is  well  known.  It  is  extensively  cultivated  here  alone,  or  in 
combination  with  herds  grass,  (Phleum  pratense.)  In  its  wild 
state  it  grows  every  where,  and  flowers  from  May  to  Septem- 
ber.— Perennial. 

Trifolium  officinale.  L.  Melilot. 

Legumes  in  racemes,  naked,  two  seeded,  wrink- 
led, acute,  stem  erect.  L. 

Stem  upright,  furrowed,  two  feet  high.  Leafets  oblong  or 
lance-obovate,  serrate,  smooth.  Spikes  axillary  and  terminal, 
on  footstalks,  many  flowered.  Flowei's  nodding,  mostly  to  one 
side,  yellow.  Calyx  and  pedicels  hairy.  Pods  pendulous, 
oval,  tapering  at  both  ends,  hairy.  This  trefoil  in  drying  ex- 
hales an  agreeable  scent,  similar  to  the  sweet  scented  vernal 
grass.  Horses  are  said  to  be  very  fond  of  it. — June,  July.— - 
It  grows  in  great  plenty  on  the  borders  of  the  marsh  at  South 
Boston,  where  it  was  probably  introduced  from  Europe. 

211.    HEDYSARUM. 

Hedtsarum  frutesoens.  L.  Shrubby  Hedysarum. 

Leaves  ternate,  lance-oblong,  obtuse,  silky  be- 
neath ;  stipules  subulate  ;  racemes  axillary,  ovate. 


170  Class  XVir.     Order  IV. 

sliortei"  than  the  leaves;  loments  of  one  joint,  hairy, 
shorter  than  the  calyx.    Willd. 

Sy?i.     Lespedeza  cAPifAfA.  Mich. 

A  slender,  whitish,  woody  plant,  found  in  dry  woods  at 
Brighton  and  elsewhere.  Stems  erect,  covered  wtih  soft  hair, 
very  leafy.  Leaves  on  very  short  petioles  ;  leafets  oblong, 
blunt,  mucronated,  their  upper  surface  smooth,  under  surface 
covered  with  silken  down^  especially  the  edges  and  midrib.  Ra- 
cemes ovate,  hardly  so  long  as  the  leaves,  but  projecting  be- 
yond them  on  axillary  footstalks.  Calyx  leaves  long,  lanceo- 
late, pointed,  hairy  enclosing  the  pods. — September. 

Hedysarum  HiHTtTM.  L.  Hairy  Hedysarum. 

Leaves  ternate,  round-elliptic ;  stipules  subu- 
late; racemes  axillary,  oblong,  longer  than  the 
leaves  ;  loments  of  one  joint,  hairy.   Willd, 

Syn.     Lespedeza  potrsTACHrA.  Mich. 

More  frequent  in  woods  than  the  last ;  resembling  it  in  col- 
our and  habit.  Stems  simple,  shrub  like,  whitish,  hairy,  two  or 
three  feet  high.  Leaves  on  very  short,  scattered  stalks  ;  leafets 
oval,  obtuse,  whitish  and  hairy  underneath.  Racemes  ovate, 
exceeding  the  leaves,  on  hairy  stalks  which  considerably  exceed 
their  own  length.  Calyx  shorter  than  in  the  last  species,  about 
equal  to  the  corolla,  or  to  the  pods,  which  are  ovate,  hairy,  and 
pointed.^ — September. 

Hedysarum  reticulatum.  Mnhl.      Reticulated  Hedysarum, 

Leaves  ternate,  linear,  hairy  underneath ;  ra- 
cemes axillary  ;  loments  of  one  joint,  ovate,  reticu- 
lated, longer  than  the  calyx.   Willd. 

Hyn.     Lespedeza  sessiliflora.  Mich. 

Stem  erect,  slightly  pubescent.    Petioles   slender,  some- 


Class  XVn.     Order  IV.  471 

what  hairy.  Leafets  small,  oblong,  obtuse  at  both  ends,  mu- 
cronated,  pubescent  underneatli.  Flowers  small,  violet  colour- 
ed, in  axillary  bunches. — Woods. — August. 

Hedysarum  violaoeum.  L.  Violet  Hedysarum, 

Leaves  ternate,  elliptical,  obtose  ;  i*acemes  uin- 
belled,  as  long  as  the  petiole ;  flowers  in  pairs ;  lo- 
meats  of  one  joint,  rUomboidal,  reticulated,  gla- 
brous,  Willd. 

Stem  erect.  Leafets  small,  oval,  mucronated,  nearly  smooth. 
Flowers  numerous,  violet  coloured,  growing  mostly  in  pairs, 
forming  racemes  which  are  somewhat  umbelled.  Pods  one 
seeded,  flat,  smooth,  rhomboidal.— Woods.— Brighton. — Au- 
gust. 

Hedysarum  divergens.  Muhl.  Spreading  Hedysarum. 

Leaves  ternate,  oblong,  obtuse ;  racemes  longer 
than  the  petiole  ;  flowers  in  pairs  ;  loments  of  one 
joint,  ovate,  reticulated,  glabrous.   Willd. 

Stem  erect,  nearly  smooth.  Leafets,  narrow,  oblong,  obtuse 
at  both  ends.  Flowers  violet  coloured,  in  axillary  I'acemes,  the 
uppermost  of  which  are  somewhat  longer  than  the  petioles  of 
the  leaves,  the  lower  ones  short,  and  few  flowered.  The  pflnt 
has  many  axillary  branches  with  small  leaves  and  flowers.  Pods 
oval,  acute,  flat,  one  seeded.— Woods.— August, 

Hedysarum  rotundifolium.  Mich.         Hound  leaved  Hedy- 
sarum. 

Stem  prostrate,  hairy  ;  petioles  hairy ;  stipules 
round- heart  shaped,  reflexed;  leaves  ternate,  or- 
bicular, hairy  on  both  sides  ;  racemes  few  flower- 
ed ;  joints  of  the  loment  subrhomboidal.  Mich. 

Stem  trailing,  moderately^  hairy.    Leaves  on  •hairy  stalks, 


17S  Class  XVn.     Order  IV. 

leafets  round,  pale  underneath,  ciliate  at  the  loAver  edge,  with  a 
few  fine  hairs  on  both  surfaces,  from  one  to  two  inches  in  diam- 
eter. Stipules  of  the  leafets  small,  lanceolate ;  of  the  leaves 
ovate,  acuminate,  bent  backward  ;  both  hairy.  Racemes  axil- 
lary and  terminal,  few  flowered.  Peduncles  longer  than  the 
petioles,  nearly  smooth.  Flowers  purple.  Corolla  twice  as 
long  as  the  calyx. — Woods.— Waltham. — August 

Hedysarum  nudiflorum.  L.    JVaked fiowering  Hedi/sarum. 

Leaves  ternate,  roundish-ovate,  acuminate ; 
scape  panicled,  smooth,  radical ;  joints  of  the  lo- 
ment  roundish-triangular,  somewhat  smooth.  Willd, 

This  is  a  remarkable  species.  The  flower  stalk  stands  by 
itself,  and  seems  to  constitute  a  distinct,  leafless  plant.  On 
pulling  it  out  of  the  ground,  the  root  is  found  to  be  connected 
with  a  leafy  stem,  which  is  fi'equently  at  some  distance  from  the 
scape.  Leaves  at  the  top  of  the  stem  on  long  stalks,  nearly 
smooth,  whitish  underneath,  ovate,  with  a  short  point.  Scape 
smooth,  slender,  longer  than  the  stem.  Flowers  purple,  in  a 
panicle  or  raceme,  on  capillary  stalks. — Woods.— August. 

Hedysarum  acuminatum.  Mich.  Pointed  Hedysarum. 

Erect,  simple,  leafy  at  top ;  leaves  ternate, 
^al,  long- acuminate,  the  odd  one  round-rhomboid- 
al  ;  panicle  terminal,  on  a  very  long  peduncle. 
Mich. 

A  larger  plant  than  the  last,  which  it  resembles  in  habit. 
Leaves  on  long  stalks  from  the  top  of  the  stem,  green  above, 
paler  underneath  ;  the  side  leafets  ovate,  the  terminal  one  larg- 
er, broad,  roundish,  three  inches  in  diameter  ;  all  ending  in  a 
long  point.  Panicle  very  long,  proceeding  from  the  top  of  the 
stem  above  the  leaves.  Peduncles  nearly  glabrous,  with  slen- 
der, remote  branches.  Flowers  purple.  Loments  of  two  or 
three  slightly  connected  joints.     These  are  large,  triangular. 


'  Class  XVn.     Order  IV.  173 

rounded  in  front,  and  hollowed  out  at  top,  their  two  posterior 
angles  very  acute,  the  anterior  obtuse. — On  the  Concord  turn- 
pike, near  Fresh  Pond. — July,  August. 

Hedysarum  Canadense.  L.  Canadian  Hedysarum. 

Leaves  ternate,  oblong-lanceolate  ;  stipules  fill- 
form  ;  flowers  racemed  ;  joints  of  the  loment  ob- 
tusely triangular,  hispid.   Willd. 

A  tall,  handsome  species,  flowering  in  July.  Stem  erect, 
striate,  hairy.  Leaves  ternate.  Leafets  long  and  narrow, 
broadest  at  base,  gradually  tapering  to  the  point,  which  is  not 
very  acute.  Racemes  from  the  top  of  the  stem  and  axils  of  the 
upper  leaves.  Pods  hairy,  consisting  of  four  or  five  joints, 
which  are  imperfectly  triangular,  their  sides  curved,  and  their 
angles  obtuse.— -Woods. — Perennial. 

212.     GLYCINE. 
Glycine  monoica.  L.  Pea  vine. 

Leaves  ternate,  naked ;  stems  hairy ;  fertile 
flowers  without  petals.  X. 

A  very  delicate  wood  vine,  twining  upon  the  bushes,  and 
flowering  in  July  and  August.  Stem  slender,  covered  with 
minute  hairs  pointing  backward.  Leaves  in  threes,  ovate, 
acute,  smooth,  and  very  thin.  Flowers  monoecious,  the  barren 
ones  in  small,  axillary,  pendulous  racemes,  with  the  calyx  and 
corolla  nearly  white.  Legumes  short,  flattish,  pointed. — Annu- 
al. 

Glycine  apios.  L.  Tuberous  Glycine.     Ground  nut. 

Leaves  pinnate,  with  seven  ovate-lanceolate 
leafets  ;  racemes  shorter  than  the  leaves ;  stem  her- 
baceous, twining.   Willd. 

Not  unfrequent  in  moist  woods  and  thickets.     Root  tuber- 


• 


174  Class  XVn.     Order  IV, 

ous,  consisting  of  fleshy,  oval  knobs,  tapering  at  the  ends,  ap-» 
ranged  at  certain  distances,  like  beads,  on  a  principal  running 
root.  Stems  round,  twining.  Leaves  pinnate,  consisting  of 
five  or  seven  ovate,  acuminate,  smooth  leafets.  Flowers  in  ax- 
illary racemes,  blackish  purple,  crowded,  and  not  inelegant  ia 
their  appearance,— July,  August. — Perennial. 

213.     MfiDICAGO. 

Medicago  lupulina.  L.  tlVdnesuch. 

Spikes  ovate ;  pods  kidney  shaped,  veiny,  rug- 
ged, single  seeded,  stems  procumbent.  Sm. 

Occurs  frequently  by  road  sides,  in  pastures,  &c.  Stems 
spreading,  angular,  leafy.  Leaves  resembling  clover,  but 
smaller.  Leafets  obovate,  finely  toothed.  Spikes  or  heads 
ovate,  of  yellow  flowers.  The  pods  are  black  and  rugged,  with 
an  evident  spiral  or  cockle  like  structure,  which  characterizes 
the  genus.  When  cultivated  it  is  said  to  form  a  valuable  grass^ 
especially  for  sheep.  In  its  wild  state  however  its  size  is  rath- 
er insignificant. — Flowers  all  summer.— Biennial. 


Class  XVra.     Order  IV.  175 


Class  XYlIl.    POLYADELPHIA.        Stamens 
united  in  more  than  two  sets. 

Ordei-IY.     POLFAJYDRM.     Many  stamens. 

214.  Hypericum.  Calyx  five  parted,  inferi- 
or ;  petals  five ;  styles  one,  three,  or  five  ;  capsules 
many  seeded. 


i7S  Class  XVIII.     Order  IV. 


POLYADELPHIA. 

POLYAJVDRM. 

214.     HYPERICUM. 
Hypericum  perforatum.  L.  Common  St.  Jolin's  wort. 

Flowers  with  three  styles  ;  stem  two  edged ; 
leaves  obtuse,  with  pellucid  dots ;  calyx  leaves  lan- 
ceolate. Sm. 

A  hardy  and  very  common  weed  in  pastures  and  dry  soils. 
Stems  numerous,  erect,  round,  with  a  slight,  prominent  line  on 
each  side,  brachiate.  Leaves  opposite,  oblong-oval,  entire,pal- 
er  beneath,  covered  with  small,  transparent  dots,  which  when 
held  against  the  light  appear  like  perforations.  Flowers  nu- 
merous, terminal,  bright  yellow.  Petals  oval ;  stamens  nume- 
rous ;  styles  three.-— July,  August.— Perennial. 

Hypericum  Canadense.  L.  Canada  St.  John's  wort. 

Flowers  with  three  styles,  axillary,  peduncu- 
lated, solitary  ;  leaves  sessile,  linear,  narrowed  at 
base  ;  stem  herbaceous,  square,  dichotomous  above. 
Willd. 

A  small  species,  generally  frequenting  a  soil  which  is  some- 
what moist.  Stem  round,  with  four  prominent  lines,  formed  by 
the  decurrent  base  of  the  leaves.  Lower  branches  opposite, 
upper  ones  in  forks.  Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  with  transparent 
dots.  Flowers  axillary  and  terminal,  small,  yellow,  on  short 
pedicels.  Capsules  of  a  brownish  colour,  twice  as  long  as  the 
calyx.— July,  August. — Annual. 


Class  XVni.     Order  IV.  177 

Htpericum  Virginioum.  L.  Virginian  St.  John's  wort. 

Flowers  with  three  styles,  enueandrous,  ter- 
minal; leaves  elliptical,  obtuse,  somewhat  heart- 
shaped,  clasping ;  stem  herbaceous,  compressed. 
Willd, 

This  plant  has  tnuch  larger  leaves  than  the  preceding  spe- 
cies. They  are  opposite,  oblong,  smooth,  entire,  heart-shaped 
at  base,  closely  sessile  or  clasping,  very  obtuse,  paler  on  the 
under  side.  Flowers  in  terminal  bunches,  their  colour  partak- 
ing of  a  mixture  of  yellow  and  purple.  Stamens  nine,  united 
in  three  parcels.— In  low  ground. — August.— Perennial. 


33 


178  Class  XIX.     Order  I. 


Class  XIX.      SYN'GENESIA.     Anthers  united 
into  a  cylinder  ;  flowers  compound. 

Order  I.  ^MqU^LIS,       Ml  the  florets  with  sta- 

mens and  pistils,  and  all  fertile. 

A.      SemifloscuLaTf  all  the  JioreCs  ligulate. 

215.  CiCHORiuM.  Receptacle  chaffy ;  calyx 
invented  with  scales  ;  seeds  surrounded  with  nu- 
merous short  teeth. 

316.  Apargia.  Receptacle  naked ;  calyx  im- 
bricate ;  down  feathery,  sessile. 

317.  Leontodon.  Receptacle  naked;  calyx 
imbricate,  with  flaccid  scales ;  down  simple,  pedi- 
celled. 

318.  Prenanthes.  Receptacle  naked  ;  down 
simple ;  calyx  invested  with  scales  ;  florets  few,  in 
one  row, 

319.  Lactuca.  Receptacle  naked ;  down 
simple,  pedicelled ;  calyx  imbricate,  cylindrical, 
scarious  at  the  margin. 

330.  HiERACiuM.  Receptacle  naked,  dotted  ; 
down  simple,  sessile ;  calyx  imbricate,  ovate. 

331.  SoNCHUs.  Receptacle  naked  ;  down 
simple,  sessile  ;  calyx  imbricate,  swelling  at  the 
base. 

B.     FToivers  in  heads. 

333.    Arctium.      Receptacle   chaffy ;     down 


Class  XIX.     Order  II.  I79 

bristly  and  chaffy ;  corolla  floscular ;  calyx  globu- 
lar with  hooks  on  the  top  of  the  scales. 

333.  Cnicus.  Receptacle  villous ;  down  feath- 
ery ;  corolla  floscular ;  calyx  swelling,  with  spinous 
scales. 

224).  Onopordon.  Receptacle  cellular  ;  down 
capillary ;  corolla  floscular  ;  calyx  swelling  witli 
spinous  scales. 

225,  Vernonia.  Receptacle  naked  ;  down 
double,  the  outer  chaffy,  inner  capillary ;  corolla 
floscular ;  calyx  ovate,  imbricate. 

C.     Florets  tubular. 

22Q.  BiDEXS.  Receptacle  chaffy,  flat;  seeds 
angular ;  down  consisting  of  awns  prickly  back- 
ward ;  calyx  nearly  equal,  invested  with  leaves. 

337.  MiKANiA.  Receptacle  naked  ;  down 
simple  ;  calyx  four  or  six  leaved,  and  four  or  six 
flowered. 

238.  EuPATORiuM.  Receptacle  naked ;  down 
simple  or  rough ;  calyx  imbricate,  oblong ;  style 
longer  tlian  the  corolla,  cloven  half  way  down. 

Order  II.  SUPERFLUA.        Florets  of  the  disc 

with  stamens  and  pistils,  those  of  the  ray  with  pistils  only  ;  all 
fertile. 

339.  CoNYZA.  Receptacle  naked  ;  down  sim- 
ple or  rough  ;  calyx  imbricate,  roundish  ;  florets  of 
the  margin  three  cleft. 

330.  Graphalium.  Receptacle  naked  ;  down 
feathery  or  rough  ;  calyx  with  scarious^  coloured 
scales  ;  florets  of  the  margin  subulate. 


180  Class  XIX.     Order  III. 

D.     Floviera  radiate. 

231.  Chrysanthemum.  Receptacle  naked ; 
down  none  \  calyx  hemispherical,  imbricate,  with 
the  scales  dilated,  and  membranous  at  the  margin. 

232.  Erigeron.  Receptacle  naked ;  down 
simple ;  florets  of  the  margin  very  numerous  and 
narrow,  linear. 

233.  SoLiDAGO.  Receptacle  naked,  pitted ; 
down  simple  ;  florets  of  the  margin  from  Ave  to  ten, 
remote ;  calyx  imbricate,  closed. 

234.  Senecio.  Receptacle  naked ;  down  sim- 
ple ;  calyx  invested  with  scales,  many  leaved, 
equal ;  the  scales  dead  at  their  tips. 

235.  Aster.  Receptacle  naked;  down  sim- 
ple ;  calyx  imbricate,  with  the  lower  scales  spread- 
ing ;  florets  of  the  margin  commonly  more  than  ten. 

236.  Anthemis,  Receptacle  chaffy  ;  seeds 
crowned  with  a  slight  border ;  calyx  hemispheric- 
al ;  florets  of  the  ray  more  than  five,  oblong, 

237.  Achillea.  Receptacle  chaffy  ;  down 
none ;  calyx  ovate,  imbricate,  unequal ;  florets  of 
the  ray  from  five  to  ten,  inversely  heart-shaped  or 
roundish. 

Order  III.  FRUSTR^JVEA.    Florets  of  the  centre 

with  stamens  and  pistils,  fertile  j  those  of  the  ray  with  pistils 
only,  barren.  ' 

238.  Helianthus.  Receptacle  chaffy ;  seeds 
crowned  with  two  lanceolate,  chaffy  scales ;  calyx 
imbricate,  somewhat  squarrous. 

239.  Coreopsis.      Receptacle   chaffy;    seeds 


Class  XIX.     Order  IV.  181 

compressed,  emarginate,  with  two  unarmed  awns ; 
calyx  double,  each  many  leaved. 

Order  IV.  JS*ECESSARM.    Florets  of  the  centre 

ivith  stamens  and  pistilSf  barren  ;  those  of  the  ray  ivith  pistils 
only,  fertile, 

240.  IvA.  Receptacle  hahy ;  seeds  naked^ 
obtuse  ;  down  none ;  calyx  three  leaved  ;  florets  of 
the  ray  five. 


las  Class  XIX.     Order  I. 


SYNGENESIA, 

JEqiMLIS. 

215.    CICHORIUM. 

CioHORiuM  iNTYBus.  L.  Succory. 

Flowers  in  pairs,  sessile ;  leaves  ruucinate. 

The  large,  blue  flowers  of  this  elegant  plant  are  extremely 
common  in  pastures  and  road  sides  every  where  in  the  vicinity 
of  Boston.  Stem  two  or  three  feet  high,  strong,  angular,  brist- 
ly. Leaves  roughish,  the  radical  ones  runcinate,  those  of  the 
stem  heart-shaped,  acuminate,  and  sessile.  Flowers  mostly  in 
pairs,  sessile  upon  the  sides  of  the  stem.  Calyx  leaves  erect, 
rough  on  the  back,  reflexed  as  they  grow  old.  Florets  of  the 
corolla  ligulate,  ending  in  about  five  minute  teeth. — From  July 
to  September. — Perennial. 

216.     APARGIA. 
Apargia  autumnalis.  Willd.  Autumnal  Hawkweed. 

Scape  branching,  peduncles  scaly;  leaves  lan- 
ceolate, tooth-pinnatifid,  smoothisli.  L. 

Sljn.      LEONfODON  AUtUMSALE.    L. 

HEOrPNOIS  AUrUMNALI.S    Sni. 

This  plant,  probably  an  ejnigrant  from  Europe,  has  over- 
run the  vicinity  of  this  place,  and  grows  in  almost  every  kind  of 
soil.  It  begins  flowering  in  June  and  July,  and  is  nearly  the 
last  plant  that  yields  to  the  frosts  of  November.  Root  abrupt. 
Leaves  all  radical,  spreading,  lanceolate,  more  or  less  toothed 
and  pinnatifid,  according  to  the  soil  in  which  they  grow,  usual- 
ly curving  to  one  side.      Scape  spreading,  bendjng  upwards, 


Class  XIX.     Order  I.  183 

furrowed,  branching  into  a  few  peduncles,  which  are  furnished 
with  scattered,  remote  scales,  and  are  hollow,  like  many  others 
of  the  class,  with  a  minute  tuft,  like  cotton  or  cobweb,  at  the  base 
of  their  cavity  within.  Flowers  yellow,  resembling  those  of  the 
dandelion.  The  scales  on  the  stalks  and  calyx  are  less  numer- 
ous than  in  the  European  variety. 

217.  LEONTODON. 

Leontodon  taraxacum.  L.  Dandelion. 

Outer  scales  of  the  calyx  reflexed ;  leaves  riin- 
cinate,  toothed,  smooth. 

The  leaves  of  this  very  common  plant  are  usually  cited  as 
examples  of  the  runcinate  form.  The  supposed  resemblance 
to  a  lion's  teeth  will  appear  sufficiently  obvious,  to  those  who 
are  fond  of  tracing  etymologies,  in  any  of  its  names,  leonto- 
don, dens  leonis,  dent  de  lion,  dandelion.  The  stalks  or  scapes 
are  simple,  hollow,  smooth,  and  round.  Flowers  single,  of  a 
bright  yellow.  Calyx  leaves  entire,  the  outermost  bent  back- 
wards. Florets  ligulate,  numerous.  Down  of  the  seeds  on  a 
pedicel. — Perennial. 

218.  PRENANTHES. 

Prenanthes  alba.  L.  White  flowering  Pirenanthns. 

Calyxes  many  flowered ;  leaves  angular-has- 
tate, toothed>  flowers  nodding;  racemes  panicled- 
Willd. 

A  tall,  lactescent  plant,  flowering  in  August  and  September. 
The  large,  radical  leaves  are  conspicuous  much  earlier  in  the 
season.  They  are  more  or  less  triangular  or  halberd  shaped, 
and  toothed  or  lobed.  The  leaves  of  the  stem  are  more  regu- 
larly ovate  and  toothed,  the  upper  ones  lanceolate.  The  stem 
is  commonly  of  a  dark  reddish  colour,  three  or  four  feet  high. 
Flowers  panicled,  drooping  ;  calyx  white,  containing  ten  or  a 


184.  Class  XIX,     Order  1. 

dozen  florets,  surrounded  with  a  dull  reddish  down.— Woods, 
low  land,  &c.— Perennial. 

219.    LACTUCA. 
Lactuca  elongata.  Miihl.  Tttll  Lettuce.    Fire  weed. 

Leaves  smooth,  the  lower  ones  runcinate,  clasp- 
ing ;  the  upper  ones  lanceolate,  sessile ;  flowers 
panicled. 

This  plant,  I  am  informed,  is  sure  to  appear  in  great  abun- 
dance on  grounds  which  are  newly  burnt  over,  and  on  this  account 
it  has  received  the  name  of  Fire  weed  in  the  interior.  The 
whole  plant  is  lactescent.  Stem  erect,  four  or  five  feet  high. 
Lower  leaves  long,  spreading,  runcinate,  clasping  the  stem. 
Upper  leaves  sessile.  The  stem  terminates  in  a  large,  spread- 
ing panicle  of  yellow  flowers,  Avhich  remain  expanded  but  a 
short  time. — July. — August. 

220.     HIERACIUM. 
HiERAciuM  vENosuM.  L.  Veiny  leaved  Hawkweed. 

Scape  naked,  branching ;  calyx  smooth ;  leaves 
obovate,  somewhat  acute,  entire,  ciliate,  their  veins 
coloured.   Willd. 

A  singular  and  beautiful  plant,  found  upon  dry  hills  and 
pastures.  Leaves  radical,  spreading  on  the  ground,  narrow- 
obovate,  elegantly  variegated  with  dark  red  veins  and  dots, 
downy  underneath,  somewhat  ciliate,  tapering  into  a  short,  hairy 
petiole.  Scape  erect,  slender,  one  or  two  feet  high,  of  a  dark 
brown  colour,  smooth,  commonly  naked,  but  sometimes  furnish- 
ed with  a  small  leaf  or  two.  Flowers  panicled,  on  very  slender 
stalks,  yellow. — June,  July.— Perennial. 


Class  XIX.     Order  I.  185 

HiERAOiuM  Kalmii.  L.  Kahii's  Hawkweed. 

Stem  erect^  many  flowered  ;  leaves  lanceolate, 
toothed ;  peduncles  downy.  L, 

Stem  erect,  tall,  nearly  smooth,  downy  at  top.  Leaves  al- 
ternate, subsessile,  oval-lanceolate,  acuminate,  with  acute,  di- 
verging teeth.  Flower  stalks  axillary  and  terminal,  round,  cov- 
ered with  whitish  down.  Flowers  erect,  yellow.  Calyx  some- 
what downy. — Borders  of  fields. — August. — Perennial. 

221.  SONCHUS. 

SoNCHus  oLERACEVs.  L.  Cow.mon  SeW'thistle. 

Peduncles  downy ;  calyx  smooth ;  leaves  run- 
cinate,  toothed.  Sm. 

Appears  late  in  the  season,  in  every  species  of  waste  grqund 
and  rubbish.  Stem  erect,  three  feet  high,  round,  smooth,  brit- 
tle, hollow.  Leaves  smooth,  toothed  and  lobed  in  a  runcinate 
manner,  clasping  the  stem,  their  lobes  bordered  with  teeth  oi* 
spines.  Pedimcles  axillary  and  terminal,  covered  with  a  white, 
fine,  deciduous  down.  Calyx  smooth,  swelling  out  at  base. 
Corolla  yellow.  Flowers  about  half  the  size  of  the  dandelion. 
Down  fine  and  smooth.— September. — Annual. 

222.  ARCTIUM. 

Arctium  lappa.  L.  Burdock. 

Leaves  heart- shaped,  unarmed,  petioled.  L, 

No  plant  is  better  known  than  this.  Its  very  large,  heart- 
shaped,  wavy  leaves  cover  the  ground  for  some  extent  around 
it.  The  stem,  which  rises  three  or  four  feet,  is  branching, 
round,  furrowed,  and  rough.  Flowers  numerous,  terminal, 
purple.  This  plant  intrudes  itself  on  every  one's  acquaintance 
by  the  sharp,  firm  hooks  at  the  end  of  the  calyx  scales,  which 
attach  themselves  to  the  clothes,  and  serve  as  a  remarkable  me- 
34? 


186  Class  XIX.     Order  I. 

chanism  for  dispersing  the  seeds. — Common  in  waste  and  cut- 
tivated  ground. — July,  August. — Perennial. 

223.     CNICUS. 

Cnicus  arvensis.  Willd.  Canada  Thistle. 

Leaves  sessile,  pinnatifid,  spinous ;  stem  pan- 
icled  ;  calyx  ovate,  its  spines  minute  ;  down  feath- 
ery.  Sm. 

Syn.     Carduus  arvensis.  Sm, 
Serratula  arvensjs.  L. 

This  species  is  easily  distinguished  from  the  rest  of  our 
thistles  by  its  small  flowers,  and  its  thornless  calyx  scales.  It 
commonly  forms  beds  by  its  perennial,  creeping  roots,  and  is 
exceedingly  difficult  to  extirpate.  The  stems  are  two  or  three 
feet  high,  smooth,  many  flowered.  Leaves  alternate,  sessile, 
pinnatifid,  with  numerous  lobes,  and  very  thorny.  Flowers  ter- 
minal, purple  ;  the  scales  of  the  calyx  ending  in  a  short,  weak 
bristle,  rather  than  a  spine.  This  plant  seems  to  have  come  to 
us  from  the  westward,  where  it  is  exceedingly  troublesome. 
The  name  of  Cursed  thistle  has  been  given  it  in  England. — Ju- 

Cuicus  LANCEOLATus.  Willd.  Speuv  Thistle. 

Leaves  decunent,  pinnatifid,  hispid  ;  the  seg- 
ments divaricate ;  calyx  ovate,  villous ;  stem  hairy. 
Sm. 

Sy7i.     Carduus  lanceola^us.  L. 

Very  common  by  road  sides  and  in  waste  ground,  usually 
three  or  four  feet  in  height.  Stem  upright,  furrowed,  hairy, 
and  winged  by  the  decurrent  base  of  the  leaves.  Leaves  white 
and  woolly  underneath,  pinnatifid,  half  the  lobes  divaricated,  tipt 
with  long  and  very  acute  spines.  Flowers  terminal,  purple, 
■numerous,  above  the  middle  size.     Calyx  ovate,  contracted  to 


Class  XIX.     Order  L  187 

a  small  neck,  its  scales  tipt  with  sharp,  ascending  spines,  and 
connected  with  a  downy  web.  Receptacle  hairy.  Seed  down 
feathery. — Flowers  from  June  to  September.— -Biennial. 

224.    ONOPORDON. 

Onopordon  AcANTHiuM.  L.  Cottoti  ThistU. 

Calyx  scales  spreading  every  way,  awl  shap- 
ed ;  leaves  ovate-oblong,  sinuated,  woolly  on  both 
sides.  Sm. 

Frequent  in  waste  grounds,  and  readily  distinguished  from 
the  other  thistles  by  its  white  appearance  and  the  large  size  of 
its  leaves.  Stem  erect,  tall,  winged  by  the  decurrent  base  of 
the  leaves.  Leaves  oblong,  broad,  sinuated^  toothed,  and  spi- 
nous, covered  on  both  sides  with  a  loose,  white,  cottony  sub- 
stance. Flowers  purple.  Calyx  globose,  wider  than  it  is  long, 
with  lanceolate,  spreading,  cottony,  spinous  scales.  Recepta- 
cle cellular,  like  a  honey  comb.  Down  rough,  short.  The 
Cotton  thistle  was  probably  introduced  from  Europe.—It  flow- 
ers in  July  and  August. 

225.     VERNONIA. 
Vernonia  Noveboracensis.    Willd.  Vernonia. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  rough,  serrulate ;  corymb 
fastigiate  ;  scales  of  the  calyx  filiform  at  top. 
Willd, 

Syn.     Serratula  JVoveboracensis.  L. 

A  tall  plant,  bearing  a  multitude  of  dark  purple  flowers, 
which  turn  nearly  black  in  decay.  Stem  about  four  feet  high^ 
furrowed,  purplish,  branching  at  top.  Leaves  peduncled,  lan- 
ceolate, finely  serrate,  acuminate,  paler  underneath.  Flowers 
terminating  the  stem  and  branches,  in  a  compound,  flat  topped 
corymb.  Scales  of  the  calyx  ending  in  a  fine  slender  a^v^^.-— 
Found  in  moist  situations. — September. — Perennial. 


188  Class  XIX.     Order  L 

226.     BIDENS. 
BiDENS  FRONDosA.  L.  Buvv  inarvgold. 

Flowers  discoid  ;  outer  calyx  six  times  as  long 
as  the  flower,  its  leaves  ciliate  at  base;  lower 
leaves  pinnate,  upper  ones  temate,  lanceolate,  ser- 
rate.  Wllld, 

A  frequent  and  troul?lesome  weed  in  com  fields,  especially 
■where  the  soil  is  moist.  Stem  smooth,  three  or  four  feet  high. 
Lower  leaves  five-pinnate,  sometimes  ternate,  leafets  lanceo- 
late, serrate.  Flowers  terminal,  erect,  flosculous,  surrounded 
by  a  large,  leafy  involucrum  or  outer  calyx.  Florets  small, 
yellow.  Seeds  oblong,  flat,  tipt  Avith  two  barbed  awns,  by 
which  they  adhere  to  the  clothes,  and  to  the  coats  of  animals.-— 
August,  September. — Annual. 

BiDENS  Crysanthemoides.  Mich.       Large  flowered  Bidens. 

Flowers  erect,  radiate ;  outer  calyx  waved, 
much  shorter  than  the  ray  ;  leaves  lanceolate,  ser- 
rate, connate. 

The  large,  golden  flowers  of  this  plant  are  very  conspicu- 
ous in  wet  situations  in  autumn.  Its  tops  are  usually  eaten  off 
when  accessible  to  cattle,  who  appear  fond  of  it.  Stem  erect, 
round,  smooth.  Leaves  glabrous,  lanceolate,  slightly  toothed, 
tapering  at  both  ends,  slightly  connate  at  base.  Flowers  erect. 
Leaves  of  the  outer  calyx  oblong,  obtuse,  waved  up  and  down 
on  the  margin  ;  those  of  the  inner  calyx  shorter,  oval,  acute, 
Ray  very  large,  spreading,  yellow.  Seeds  with  commonly  four 
awns,  in  which  circumstance  our  plant  seems  to  differ  from  that 
of  Michaux. — September,  October.- — Annual. 

227.     MIKANIA. 

MiKANiA  SCAN  DENS.  Willd.  Climbing  MiTcania. 

Stem  climbing,  glabrous  ;  leaves  heart-shaped^ 


Class  XIX.     Order  I,  189 

i'epand-tootlied,  acuminate,  the  lobes  divaricate,  un- 
equal ;  flowers  corymbed.   Willd, 

Syn.     EuPAroniuM  scandens.  Mich.  ^ 

Stem  twining,  smooth.  Leaves  opposite,  on  long  petioles, 
glabrous,  somewhat  triangular  or  halberd  shaped,  their  lower 
half  toothed,  the  upper  tapering  into  a  long,  even,  and  very 
acute  point.  Branches  opposite,  axillary,  bearing  small,  ter- 
minal, corymbs.  Flowers  pui'plish  white.  Calyx  with  about 
four  leaves,  and  as  many  florets.— Wet  places.— August,  Sep- 
tember.— Perennial. 

228.     EUPATORIUM. 
EupATORiuM  sEssiLiFOLiuM.  L.     SessUe  leaved  EupatoHum. 

Leaves  sessile,  clasping,  distinct,  ovate-lanceo- 
late, rounded  at  base,  serrate,  smooth ;  stem  smooth. 
Willd. 

An  erect  plant  with  corymbed  flowers,  as  are  all  the  subse- 
quent species.  Stem  slender,  smooth.  Leaves  opposite,  close- 
ly sessile,  circular  at  base,  tapering  to  a  very  long,  acute  point, 
furnished  with  small  teeth  or  serratures,  and  paler  underneath. 
Peduncles  downy.  Flowers  white,  in  a  terminal  corymb- 
Calyx  containing  about  five  florets. — Found  in  the  woods  at 
Roxbury. — August. — Perennial. 

EupATORiuM  Verben^foliuh.  Mlcli.       Vewain  leaved  Eu- 
patorium. 

Leaves  sessile,  lance-oval,  acute,  obtusely  cut- 
toothed,  pubescent ;  calyxes  pubescent,  awnless, 
five  flovs^ered.  Mich. 

The  name  is  taken  from  the  resemblance  of  the  leaves  to  the 
upper  ones  of  the  officinal  Vervain.  Stem  round,  downy  at  top. 
Leaves  opposite,  closely  sessile,  pointing  upward,  rounded  al 


190  Class  XIX.     Order  I. 

base,  acute,  but  not  acuminate  like  the  last,  the  sides  cut  into 
very  large,  and  rather  blunt  teeth.  Corymb  compound,  ter- 
minal, pubescent.  Flowers  whitej — Grows  at  Cambridgport 
and  elsewhere,  in  low  ground. — August,  September. — Peren- 
nial. 

EupATORiuM  PERFOLiATUM.  L.  Thoroughiport,  Boneset. 

Leaves  connato-perfoliate,  downy.  .2/. 

Sljn.    EuPA-rORIUM  CONNA'TUM.    Mich. 

This  species  is  readily  known  from  the  rest  by  its  long, 
acute  leaves,  alternately  crossing,  and  perforated  by  the  stem. 
The  plant  is  usually  from  two  to  four  or  five  feet  in  height. 
Stem  erect,  hairy  or  woolly,  branching  only  at  top.  Leaves 
connate,  tapering  to  an  acute  point,  serrate,  wrinkled,  whitish 
and  woolly  underneath.  The  upper  leaves  are  often  found  dis- 
tinct at  their  base,  not  connate.  Flowers  white,  in  a  large  co- 
rymb, with  woolly  peduncles.  Calyx  containing  ten  or  more 
florets.  Grows  in  moist  land  and  flowers  in  August  and  Sep- 
tember. This  plant  has  acquired  great  medicinal  reputation, 
and  is  considerably  employed  as  a  tonic,  sudorific,  and  emetic. 
—Perennial. 

EupATORiuM  puRPUREUM.  L.  ^^J^Tumpet  weed. 

Leaves  petioled,  four  or  five  in  a  w^horl,  ovate- 
lanceolate,  serrate,  wrinkled  and  veiny,  somewhat 
rough  ;  stem  fistulous.   Willd, 

A  tall  plant,  growing  about  the  borders  of  thickets  in  wet 
land.  Stem  five  or  six  feet  in  height,  straight,  round,  purplish, 
hollow  throughout  its  whole  length,  its  tube  not  being  interrupt- 
ed by  joints.  Leaves  in  whorls  of  four,  five,  or  six  ;  ovate,  rug^ 
ged  with  veins,  acute.  Flowers  purple,  in  a  large,  branching, 
terminal  corymb.  Calyx  containing  about  eight  florets,  with 
v/5ry  long  styles. — August,  September.— Perennial. 


Class  XIX.     Order  II.  191 

EuPATORiUM  VERTiciLLATUM.  Muhl.     WhorUd  Eupatoriuvn. 

Leaves  petioled,  in  whorls  of  three  or  four, 
ovate-lanceolate,  wedge- shaped  at  base,  unequally 
serrate,  smoothish  ;  stem  solid,  smooth.   Willd. 

Syn.    ,  EuPAroRIUM  PURPUBEUM.    Mich. 

A  very  tall  species,  much  resembling  the  last  in  habic. 
Stem  smooth,  round.  Leaves  about  four  in  a  whorl,  large  and 
spreading,  serrate,  the  lower  part  entire,  and  tapering  to  the 
petiole.  Flowers  in  a  large,  terminal  corymb.  Flowering 
branches  also  proceed  from  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves. 
Calyx  whitish.  Corollas  purplish. — Wet  thickets.— August, 
September. — Perennial, 

8UPERFLUJ. 

229.    CONYZA- 

CoNYZA  OAMPHORATA.  Muhl.  Spicxf  Couyzu. 

Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  somewhat  pubescent, 
acute,  serrate,  serratures  mucronate ;  flowers  in 
crowded  corymbs. 

Syn.     Erigeron  Camphora'Tum.  L. 
CoNTZA  Marilandica.  Mich. 

An  erect,  rather  succulent  plant,  of  low  stature.  Stem 
thick,  fleshy,  pubescent.  Leaves  alternate,  sessile,  ovate. 
Branches  axillary,  leafy,  bearing  close  corymbs  of  oblong,  pur- 
ple flowers.  The  plant  when  bruised  exhales  a  strongs  spicy, 
but  rather  disagreeable  odour. — Salt  Marshes. — Cambridge - 
port, — August. 

230.    GNAPHALIUM. 

Gnaphalium  margaritaceum.         Common  Life  everlasting. 

Herbaceous ;  leaves  linear  lanceolate,  acumin- 


193  Class  XIX.     Order  H. 

ate,   alternate ;    stem  branched  at  top ;    corymbs 
fastigiate.  L. 

No  object  in  the  fields  is  better  known  than  the  dry,  pearly, 
and  almost  incorruptible  heads  of  the  Life  everlasting.  The 
whole  plant  has  a  white  appearance  derived  from  its  downy 
covering.  Stem  erect,  I'ound,  from  one  to  two  feet  high,  wool- 
ly. Leaves  numerous,  sessile,  growing  without  order  round 
the  stem,  green  above,  white  with  very  thick  down,  or  wool,  un- 
derneath. Branches  forming  a  flat  topped  corymb  of  crowded 
flowers.  Calyx  hemispherical,  its  scales  of  a  clear  white. 
Florets  five  cleft,  yellow-  The  plant  has  a  peculiar  and  rather 
pleasant  odour. — August. — Perennial. 

Gnaphalium  plantaoineum.  L.  Mouse  ear. 

Shoots  procumbent ;  stem  simple ;  radical 
leaves  oval,  obtuse,  mucronated,  three  nerved; 
flowers  dioecious. 

This  species  flowers  early,  and  is  pretty  common  in  pastures 
and  di'y  hills.  The  whole  plant  is  at  first  covered  with  white, 
cotton-like  down.  The  root  sends  out  a  number  of  runners 
furnished  with  oval  leaves,  exceeding  the  rest  considerably  in 
size,  rounded  at  the  end,  and  tapering  into  a  footstalk.  Their 
upper  surface  is  at  first  do\vny,  but  becomes  nearly  glabrous, 
and  of  a  dark  brown  colour.  Stem  leaves  oblong,  woolly,  ses- 
sile. Stem  undivided,  terminating  in  a  simple  corymb  of  white, 
woolly  flowers. — April,  May. — Perennial. 

Gnaphalium  uliginosum.  L.  Cudweed. 

Stem  herbaceous,  branching,  diffuse,  woolly ; 
leaves  linear-lanceolate,  narrowed  at  both  ends, 
downy ;  flowers  terminal,  crowded.   Willd. 

A  small,  branching,  whitish  plant.  Stems  spreading,  sub- 
divided, covered  with  white,  woolly  down.    Leaves  alternate, 


Class  XIX.     Order  II.  193 

linear-lanceolate,  less  woolly  than  the  stem.  Flowers  in  dense, 
terminal  corymbs  or  heads.  Scales  of  the  calyx  yellowish- 
Road  sides. — August. — Annual. 

231.     CHRYSANTHEMUM. 
'Chrysanthemum  leucanthemum.  !».  White  weed. 

Leaves  clasping,  oblongs  blunt,  cut,  pinnatifid 
at  base ;  the  radical  ones  on  footstalks,  obovate. 
Sm. 

This  plant,  which  has  come  to  us,  no  doubt,  from  Europe, 
is  exceedingly  frequent  and  troublesome  in  pastures  and  mow- 
ing land.  Stems  about  two  feet  high,  round,  furrowed.  Lower 
leaves  petioled,  inversely  ovate,  serrate,  and  cut ;  upper  ones 
sessile,  irregularly  pinnatifid  and  toothed.  Flowers  terminal, 
solitary,  large,  and  flat.  Calyx  closely  imbricated.  Disc  yel- 
lo^v  ;  ray  white,  consisting  of  many  oval,  oblong  ligules,  ending 
in  three  teeth.— 7 June,  July.— Perennial. 

232.     ERIGERON. 
Erigeron  Canadense.  L.  Jimiual  Flea-bane. 

Stem  hairy ;  flowers  panicled  ;  leaves  lanceo- 
late, lower  ones  serrate.  Sm. 

One  of  the  most  hardy  and  common  annual  weeds.  It  prop- 
agates itself  rapidly,  and  since  the  discoveiy  of  America,  has 
been  introduced,  and  spread  through  most  countries  in  Europe. 
Stem  erect,  furrowed,  very  hairy,  branching.  Leaves  linear- 
lanceolate,  edges  rough  and  ciliate.  Flowers  small,  of  no 
beauty,  very  numerous,  arranged  in  a  sort  of  racemes  on  the 
branches.  Calyxes  cylindrical,  longer  than  they  are  Avide, 
somewhat  imbricate.  Ray  very  short  and  obscure,  white, 
crowded,  erect.  In  pastures,  road  sides,  and  cultivated 
grounds,  varying  in  height  from  one  to  four  feet,  according  to 
the  soil. — August. 

S5- 


194^  Class  XIX,     Order  II. 

Erigeron  Philadelphicum.  L.  Philadelphia  Flea-bane^ 

Stem  many  flowered ;  leaves  lanceolate,  sub- 
serrate,  those  of  the  stem  half  clasping ;  florets  of 
the  ray  capillary,  as  long  as  the  disc.  L. 

Stem  erect,  two  or  three  feet  high,  much  branched  at  top, 
the  branches  somewhat  downy.  Leaves  lanceolate  or  oblong, 
sessile  and  partly  clasping,  the  lower  ones  somewhat  toothed. 
Flowers  numerous,  panicled,  erect.  Calyx  flattened  or  hemis- 
pherical. Florets  of  the  margin  very  numerous  and  fine,  white 
with  a  purplish  cast.— Common  by  road  sides,  flowering  in  Ju- 
ly and  August.*— Perennial. 

233.     SOLIDAGO. 
SoLiDAGo  LANCEOLATA.  L»  l-'Speav  Uaved  Golden  rod. 

Stem  glabrous,  branching ;  leaves  lance-linear, 
entire,  three  nerved,  glabrous  ;  corymbs  terminal ; 
ligules  as  high  as  the  disc.  Jlit, 

This  species  of  golden  rod  is  distinguished  from  the  suc- 
ceeding, by  its  inflorescence.  Stem  tall,  leafy,  branching. 
Leaves  numerous,  long,  and  narrow,  marked  for  their  whole 
length  with  three  distinct  nerves,  very  rough  on  the  edge. 
Flowers  yellow,  in  large,  flat  topped  corymbs,  composed  of 
small  heads.  Ray  very  short  and  obsure.  The  whole  plant  is 
pleasantly  aromatic, — Woods  and  road  sides,  in  low  ground.— 
August,  September. — Perennial. 

SoLiDAGo  ALTissiMA.  L.  Tail  Goldeu  rod. 

Stem  erect,  hairy  ;  leaves  lanceolate,  the  lower 
ones  deeply  serrate,  rough,  wrinkled ;  panicle  lean- 
ing to  one  side.   Willd. 

The  varieties  of  this  tall,  well  known  weed,  are  pretty  fre- 
quent about  the  borders  of  fields.     Stem  erect,  stiff",  rough,  and 


Class  XIX.     Order  11.  195 

hairy,  branching  at  top.  Leaves  numerous,  sessile,  lanceolate, 
rough,  irregularly  veined,  serrate  or  toothed,  the  serratures  di- 
yergent.  Panicle  consisting  of  many  recurved  branches,  with 
the  flowers  tending  upward  ;  the  whole  inclining  to  one  side. 
Flowers  numerous,  yellow. — September. — Perennial. 

-SoLiDAGo  c^siA.  Ait.  Blw  stemmed  Golden  rod. 

Stem  glabrous ;  leaves  lanceolate,  acuminate, 
serrate,  glabrous,  paler  underneath ;  racemes  axil- 
lary. 

An  elegant  species,  remarkable  for  the  brightness  and  vari- 
ety of  its  colours.  Stem  slender,  smooth,  of  a  dark  bluish  col- 
our, somewhat  flexuous.  Leaves  alternate,  lanceolate,  tapering 
to  a  long  point,  smooth,  green  above,  pale,  and  somewhat  glau- 
cous underneath.  Racemes  numerous,  situated,  one  in  the  ax- 
il of  each  leaf,  for  a  great  length  upon  the  stem.  Flowers  of  a 
very  bright  and  durable  yellow.— Woods. — September. — Per- 
ennial. 

SoLiDAGO  LAEVIGATA.  Ait.  MuTsh  Goldeti  rod. 

Stem  erect,  smooth ;  leaves  lanceolate,  fleshy, 
entire,  smooth  in  all  parts ;  racemes  panicled, 
erect ;  peduncles  scaly,  villous  ;  ligules  elongated. 
Ait. 

A  tall,  rank  inhabitant  of  the  borders  of  salt  marshes,  where 
its  large,  yellow  tops  are  very  conspicuous  in  September.  Stem 
thick,  round,  smooth,  leafy,  from  four  to  six  feet  high.  Leaves 
thick,  fleshy,  perfectly  smooth,  and  without  serratures.  Ra- 
cemes numerous,  crowded,  somewhat  recurved.  Flowers 
large,  yellow,  the  ligules  of  the  ray  nearly  as  long  as  the  disc. — 
Perennial. 

SoLXDAGO  BicoLOR.  L.  White  Golden  rod. 

Stem  and  leaves  hairy ;    leaves  elliptical,  the 


196  Class  XIX.     Order  II. 

lower  ones  serrate  ;  branches  bearing  leafets ;  ra^ 
cemes  erect ;  calyx  leaves  obtuse.  Jlit. 

This  species  differs  considerably  in  its  aspect  from  the  pre- 
ceding. Stem  erect,  nearly  simple,  pubescent,  especially  to- 
ward the  top.  Leaves  sessile,  lance-oval,  rough,  somev^hat 
hairy.  Racemes  axillary,  crowded,  numerous.  Flowei'g  small, 
without  beauty.  Disc  yellow.  Ray  very  short,  obscure,  white. 
•^ — Dry  Avoods. — Cambridge.— Perennial. 

234.    SENECIO. 
Seneoio  vulgaris.  L.  Common  GroundseL 

Flowers  without  ray,  scattered ;  leaves  pinnate- 
sinuate,  clasping,  toothed.  Sm. 

A  weed  about  houses,  rubbish,  and  cultivated  grounds. 
Stem  erect,  branching,  leafy,  smooth.  Leaves  alternate,  pinnat- 
ifid,  and  toothed,  those  of  the  stem  clasping.  Flowers  termin- 
al, scattered,  yellow.  Calyx  somewhat  cylindrical,  calyculated, 
scaly,  the  scales  acute  and  black  at  the  tip.  Flowers  floscular. 
Down  sessile,  white, — All  summer. — Annual. 

Seneoio  hieracifolius.  Mich.  Hawkweed  GroundseL 

Flowers  without  ray  ;  leaves  clasping,  oblong, 
acute,  unequally  torn  and  serrated  ;  calyxes  oblong, 
smooth,  bristly  at  base. 

A  rank,  tall,  annual  plant.  Stem  three  feet  high,  fleshy, 
succulent,  branching  at  top.  Leaves  large,  clasping  the  stem, 
deeply  and  irregularly  divided,  and  acutely  toothed.  Flowers 
terminal,  erect,  crowded.  Calyx  cylindrical,  its  base  swelling, 
and  invested  with  many  small  leaves  or  bristles.  Florets  small, 
pale,  gradually  filling  the  calyx.  The  whole  plant  has  a  strong, 
nauseous  odour. — Road  sides.— August,  September. — Annujil. 


Class  XIX.     Order  II.  197 

Senecio  aureus.  L.  Golden  Senecio. 

Flowers  radiate  ;  leaves  crenate,  the  lower  ones 
heart-shaped,  petioled ;  the  upper  ones  pinnatifid, 
lyrate.  L. 

This  is  a  handsome  species,  and  makes  a  fine  appearance  in 
meadows,  in  May  and  June.  Stem  upi-ight,  simple,  smooth, 
from  one  to  three  feet  high.  Leaves  of  the  root  on  slender  foot- 
stalks, heart-shaped,  rounded,  crenate,  smooth  ;  middle  leaves 
of  the  stem  lyrate  and  crenate;  upper  ones  pinnatifid.  Co- 
rym.b  terminal,  somewhat  umbelled,  the  flower  stalks  thicken- 
ing upward.  Calyx  smooth,  dark,  often  striped.  Flowers  yel- 
low.    Ligules  oblong,  spreading. — Pei-ennial. 

235.     ASTER. 
Aster  solipagineus.  Mich.  White  topped  Jlster. 

Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  ohtuse,  entire,  ohso- 
letely  three  nerved,  rough  on  the  margin  ;  corymb 
lastigiate  ;  flowers  sessile,  aggregate,  five  rayed. 

St/7t.       CONTZA   LINIFOLIA.    L. 

An  early  species,  with  white  flowers.  Stem  simple,  smooth. 
Leaves  oblong,  narrow,  obtuse  at  the  end,  tapering  at  base, 
glabrous,  with  the  margin  rough.  Flowers  in  a  flat  topped  co- 
rymb, collected  in  sessile  tufts.  Calyx  oblong,  imbricated,  the 
scales  obtuse,  whitish,  with  green  tips.  Ligules  of  the  ray  ob- 
long, white,  five  in  number,  by  which  circumstance  the  plant 
varies  from  its  genus. — Woods.' — July. — Perennial. 

Aster  linariifolius.  L.  Savoury  leaved  Aster. 

Leaves  linear,  entire,  mucronated,  rough,  cari- 
nated  ;  peduncles  leafy.  X. 

A  rough,  woody  plant,  growing  in  bunches,  about  a  foot 
high.     Stems  decumbent,  rigid,  purplish,  covered   with  white 


198  Class  XIX.     Order  II. 

down.  Leaves  numerous,  linear,  obtuse,  with  a  small  point, 
very  rough  and  rigid,  upright,  but  reflexed  as  the  plant  grows 
old,  without  nerves  or  dots.  Peduncles  few,  near  the  top,  al- 
ternate, short,  furnished  with  small  leaves,  one  flowered.  FIoav- 
ers  purple. — Woods  and  dry  hills.— -August,  September, — Per- 
ennial. 

Aster  subulatus  ?  Mich.  Sea  side  Aster, 

Leaves  linear-subulate,  entire,  glabrous  ;  stem 
glabrous,  panicled,  many  flowered  ;  calyxes  cylin- 
drical, ligules  of  the  ray  minute. 

A  native  of  the  salt  marshes.  Stem  erect,  round,  very 
smooth,  with  numerous  large,  alternate  branches.  Stem  leaves 
long,  linear,  smooth,  tapering  to  an  acute  point.  Branches  ax- 
illary, somewhat  dichotomous,  many  flowered.  At  the  base  of 
each  principal  branch,  between  it  and  the  leaf,  is  commonly  a 
smaller  branch  with  two  or  three  flowers.  Calyx  smooth,  ob- 
long.    Ray  pale  and  short. — September. — Perennial. 

Aster  salicifolius.  Mt»  Willow  leaved  Aster. 

Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  entire,  glabrous  ;  ca- 
lyxes imbricated,  lax ;  stem  smooth.  Jlit. 

A  very  tall,  slender  species.  Stem  five  feet  high,  smooth, 
somewhat  flexuous.  Leaves  long,  linear,  acute,  entire,  sessile, 
smooth,  with  a  rough  edge.  Branches  alternate,  slender, 
smooth.  Flowers  on  short  stalks,  blue. — Found  in  the  woods 
on  Concord  turnpike,  Cambridge. — September. — Perennial. 

Aster  cyaneus.  C.  Muhl.  Blue  flowered  Aster. 

Leaves  ovate-oblong,  acute,  clasping,  cordate, 
f^errate  ;  stem  panicled,  glabrous;  scale%o|l»  the  ca- 
lyx lanceolate,  closely  imbricate.     Willd.  sub.  Si/n. 

Syn.      AsrER  AMPLEXICAULIS.    Willd, 


Class  XIX.     Order  II.  199 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  and  beautiful  species. 
Stem  erect,  perfectly  smooth.  Leaves  oblong,  tapering  to  an 
acute  point,  smooth,  and  even,  with  a  rough  edge,  slightly  ser- 
rate about  the  middle,  clasping,  the  lower  ones  contracted  at 
base.  Branches  of  the  panicle  furnished  with  a  few  small  leaf- 
ets.  Flowers  on  distinct  peduncles,  blue. — Borders  of  woods 
stnd  fields. — August. — Perennial. 

Aster  umbellatus.  »Ait.  Umbelled  Aster. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  entire,  narrowed  at  base, 
acuminate,  rough  on  the  margin  ;  stem  simple,  co- 
rymbed  at  top  ;  calyx  scales  lanceolate,  lax. 
Willd, 

Syn.     AsfEB  AMrcDALiNUS.  Mich. 

A  very  tall,  erect  specie|,  with  white  flowers.  Stem  four 
or  five  feet  high,  furrowed,  smooth,  sometimes  rough  at  top, 
leafy.  Leaves  numerous,  large,  lanceolate,  rough  at  the  edge, 
paler  underneath.  Stem  branching  at  top  into  a  large,  com- 
pound, flat  topped  corymb.  Calyx  scales  lanceolate,  obtuse. 
Ray  of  a  middle  size,  white. — In  low  grounds. — August,  Sep- 
tember.— Perennial. 

Aster  Nov.s  Anglic.  L,  JVew  England  Aster, 

Leaves  lanceolate,  clasping,  entire,  appendaged 
at  base ;  stem  hairy,  straight ;  flowers  terminal, 
crowded  ;  calyx  scales  loose,  coloured,  lanceolate, 
longer  than  the  disc.   Willd. 

A  tall,  and  very  beautiful  plant.  Stem  three  feet  high, 
brown,  very  hairy.  Leaves  very  numerous,  linear-lanceolate, 
entire,  acute,  continued  at  base  into  a  pair  of  small,  rounded 
lobes,  clasping  the  stem.  Flowers  large,  on  short  stalks,  crowd- 
ed at  the  top  of  the  stem.  Calyx  scales  linear-lanceolate,  of  a 
dark  brown  on  the  inside.     Ray  of  a  deep  purple,  crowded. — 


mo  Class  XIX.     Order  II. 

Road  sides,  South  Boston,  Brooklyn,   &c.— September— Per-* 
ennial. 

Aster  diffusus.  Jit.  Spreadins;  Aster. 

Leaves  elliptic-lanceolatej  setrate,  glabrous  ; 
branches  spreading ;  calyxes  imbricate,  stein  pu- 
bescent. Jlit, 

A  common,  bushy  Aster,  with  a  profusion  of  white  flowers. 
Stem  branching,  slightly  pubescent.  Branches  numerous,  long, 
and  slender,  spreading,  leafy,  many  flowered.  Leaves  lanceo- 
late, rough  at  the  edge,  slightly  serrate  in  the  middle  ;  those  of 
the  branches  small,  entire.  Flowers  small,  very  numerous, 
somewhat  racemed,  Avhite. — Woods  and  road  sides. — August, 
September. — Perennial. 

Aster  puniceus.  L.  ^  Red  stalked  Aster. 

Leaves  clasping,  lanceolate,  serrate,  rough  ; 
branches  panicled ;  calyx  lax,  longer  than  the 
disc;  stem  hispid,  tlit.  abr. 

A  tall,  handsome  plant.  Stem  rigid,  angular,  flexuous,  cov- 
ered with  stiff"  hairs,  often,  but  not  always  red,  three  feet  high. 
Leaves  lanceolate,  somewhat  clasping,  tapering  at  both  ends, 
acuminate,  furnished  with  large  serratures  in  the  middle,  rough 
on  the  margin  and  upper  surface.  Branches  panicled,  with 
blue  flowers,  rather  above  the  middle  size.  Calyx  leaves  uni- 
fprm. — On  the  Dedham  turnpike,  Roxbury,  and  elsewhere.— 
September. — Peremiial. 

Aster  amplexicaulis.  Mich.  Clasping  Aster, 

Leaves  clasping,  nearly  perfoliate,  oblong-heart 
shaped,  not  contracted  below,  entire  ;  panicle  lax, 
few  flowered.  Mich, 

Stem  erect  or  ascending,  a  little  downy  and  rough.  Leaves 
numerous,  alternate,  rough,  somewhat  waved  on  the  edge,  ob- 


Class  XIX.     Order  11.  301 

long,  tapering  to  a  bluntish  point,  broad  at  base,  and  clasping 
quite  round  the  stem.  Branches  few,  near  the  top,  slender, 
furnished  vith  several  minute,  clasping  leafets.  Flowers  erect, 
somewhat  remote,  blue. — Woods,  Brighton. — September. — 
Perennial. 

Aster  diversifolius.  Mich.  Various  leaved  Sster. 

Leaves  downy,  slightly  serrate  and  waved,  the 
lower  ones  oblong-heart  shaped,  with  winged  pe- 
tioles, upper  ones  oval-lanceolate,  clasping ;  stem 
hispid,  panicled ;  branchlets  leafy,  one  flowered, 
tending  to  one  side. 

Sy7l.      AsrER  UNDULAfUS,   Ait.  ■ 

This  species  is  remarkable  for  the  gradation  of  its  leaves 
fi'om  one  distinct  form  to  another.  Stem  pubescent,  rough. 
Lower  leaves  oblong-heart  shaped,  pomted,  serrate,  downy  un- 
derneath, supported  on  long  petioles,  which  ar6  winged  or  di- 
^  lated  at  the  base.  Middle  leaves  panduriform,  clasping.  Up- 
per leaves  ovate  or  lanceolate,  nearly  entire,  claspmg.  Panicle 
lax,  with  slender  branches,  covered  with  small  leaves.  Pedun- 
cles inclining  one  way.  Flowers  blue. — August,  September. — 
Perennial. 

Aster  Cornifolius.  Muhl.  Cornel  leaved  Aster. 

Leaves  oblong-ovate,  acuminate,  entire,  petiol- 
ed,  smooth,  rough  on  the  edge  ;  stem  smooth,  pan- 
icle few  flowered ;  calyxes  somewhat  imbricated. 
Willd. 

A  pretty  early  species.  Stem  erect,  glabrous.  Leaves  on 
very  short  petioles,  narrow-oval,  acute  at  base,  acuminated  at 
point,  nearly  smooth,  the  margin  rough,  and  slightly  ciliated, 
the  under  surface  pale.  Panicle  few  flowered.  Flowers  white. 
-  ~Found  in  woods. — July,  August. — Perennial. 
26 


i' 


202  Class  XIX.     Order  II. 

Aster  cordifolius.  L.  Heart  leaved  Aster. 

Leaves  heart-shaped,  hairy  beneath,  sharply 
serrate ;  petioles  winged ;  stem  panicled,  hairy  5 
calyxes  loosely  imbricate.   Willd. 

Stem  erect,  somewhat  flexuous,  in  some  plants  a  little  hairy, 
in  others  quite  smooth.  Leaves  heart-shaped,  with  a  deep  si- 
nus, acutely  serrate,  acuminate,  downy  underneath,  the  lower 
ones  very  large.  Petioles  with  a  membranous  edge.  Pan- 
icle terminal,  many  flowered.  Flowers  small,  purplish  white. 
-—Woods. — September. — Perennial. 

Aster  corymbosus.  Mt.  Corymbed  Jlster, 

Leaves  ovate,  sharply  serrate,  acuminate,  the 
lower  ones  heart-shaped,  petioled,  naked ;  stem 
ending  in  a  fastigiate  corymb  ;  branches  hairy ;  ca- 
lyxes oblong,  imbricate,  its  scales  closely  pressed, 
Willd. 

A  pretty  large,  white  flowering  plant.  Stem  smooth,  fre- 
quently of  a  dark  reddish  colour.  Lower  leaves  heart-shaped, 
petioled,  smooth,  toothed  ;  upper  ones  ovate,  acuminate,  sub- 
sessile.  Flowers  white,  in  a  large,  flat  topped  corymb,  the 
branches  of  which  are  slightly  pubescent. — Woods  and  shades, 
Roxbury,  Brooklyn. — August. — Perennial. 

235.    ANTHEMIS. 

Anthemis  cotula.  L.  May  weed. 

Receptacle  conical,  its  scales  bristle  shaped ; 
seeds  without  any  border  ;  leaves  doubly  pinnati- 
fid,  smoothish.  Sm, 

The  road  sides  are  full  of  the  white  blossoms  of  this  com- 
mon, annual  weed,  from  midsummer  to  the  end  of  autumn. 
Stem  upright,  smooth,  much  branched.     Leaves  alternate,  ses- 


Class  XIX,     Order  III.  203 

sile,  nearly  smooth,  divided  and  subdivided  into  linear  segments. 
Flower  stalks  solitary,  striated.  Calyx  scales  narrow,  slightly 
margined.  Florets  of  the  ray  white,  spreading,  a  dozen  or  more 
in  number.  Disc  yellow,  convex.  Receptacle  nearly  cylin- 
drical. The  plant  has  a  strong,  peculiar  smell,  and  reputed 
medicinal  virtues. 

237.    ACHILLEA. 
Achillea  millefolium.  L.  Common  Farrow. 

Leaves  bipinnatifid,  hairy,  their  divisions  lin- 
ear^  toothed,  mucronate  ;  stems  furrowed.  Sm, 

Common  Yarrow  is  a  frequent  inhabitant  of  dry  pastures 
and  fields.  Stem  erect,  furrowed,  hairy,  branched  at  top. 
Leaves  alternate,  cut  into  a  multitude  of  very  small,  linear  sub- 
divisions. Flowers  white,  forming  a  large,  flat  topped,  crowd- 
ed corymb.  Calyx  ovate.  Disc  convex.  Florets  of  the  ray 
four  or  five.  The  plant  has  a  strong,  penetrating  taste  and 
smell,  and  is  used  medicinally. — July,  August. — Perennial. 

FRUSTBJJ^EJ. 

238.     HELIANTHUS. 
Helianthus  divaricatus.  L.  Small,  rough  Sun  flower. 

Leaves   opposite,  sessile,    ovate-oblong,   three 
nerved  :  panicle  dichotomous.  L. 

A  shewy  plant,  not  uncommon  in  woods  and  thickets,  flow- 
ering in  August  and  September.  Stem  erect,  round,  smooth, 
generally  covered  with  glaucous  powder.  Leaves  opposite, 
narrow -ovate,  rounded  at  base,  tapering  to  a  long  point,  slightly 
serrate,  three  nerved,  and  very  rough.  Flowers  yellow,  in  the 
wild  plant  but  few  in  number,  in  the  cultivated  one  numerous. 
Branches  of  the  panicle  either  forked  or  three  parted. — Peren- 
nial. 

This  plant  has  an  agreeable,  somewhat  spicy  odoui . 


204)  Class  XIX.     Order  IV. 

239.    COREOPSIS. 
Coreopsis  trichosperma.  Mich.  Tickseed  Sunflower^ 

Leaves  mostly  five  pinnate,  leafets  lanceolate, 
remotely  cut-serrate  ;  leafets  of  the  outer  calyx  cil- 
iate  ;  ray  entire ;  seeds  wedge  form.  Mich.  abr. 

Stem  about  two  feet  high,  glabrous.  Leaves  glabrous,  pin- 
nate. Leafets  five  or  seven,  distant,  linear-lanceolate,  ending  in 
a  long,  slender  point,  furnished  with  a  few  deep  seiTatures  or 
segments,  the  larger  ones  pinnatifid.  The  branches  and  leaves 
are  opposite,  the  upper  ones  alternate.  Flowers  large,  erect,  yel- 
low. Outer  calyx  leaves  about  eighty  oblong,  rounded  at  the 
end  and  fringed  with  setaceous  teeth  at  the  edge.  Florets  of 
the  ray  large,  entire. — On  the  cast  side  of  Fresh  Pond. — Sep^ 
tember. 

J^ECESSARM. 

240.     IV  A. 
IvA  FRUTEsoEN's.  L.  High  Water  shrub. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  rougli,  with  dots,  deeply  ser- 
rate ;  stem  shrubby.   Willd. 

A  fleshy  shrub,  about  the  borders  of  salt  marshes.  Annual 
shoots  erect,  furrowed.  Branches  axillary,  or  a  little  above  the 
leaves.  Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  serrate,  three  nerved,  some* 
what  rough,  upper  ones  entire.  Flowers  in  a  sort  of  leafy  ra- 
cemes, small,  drooping,  green,  without  beauty. 


Class  XX.     Order  11.  20Si 


Class  XX.  GYNANDRIA.      Stamens  situ- 

ated on  the  pistil. 

Order  I.         MOJSTJiJS'DRM.         One  stamen. 

241.  Orchis.  Corolla  five  petalled,  the  upper 
petal  arched  ;  lip  with  a  spur  from  its  base  ;  an- 
ther terminal,  parallel  and  affixed  to  the  style. 

242.  Neottia.  Corolla  five  petalled  ;  base  of 
the  lip  swelling,  with  the  external  petals  joining 
round  it ;  anther  parallel  to  the  style  and  affixed  to 
it  behind. 

243.  Arethusa.  Corolla  five  petalled,  some- 
what ringent ;  lip  without  a  spur ;  anther  resem- 
bling a  lid,  persistent. 

244.  Cymbidium.  Corolla  five  petalled,  erect 
or  spreading  ;  lip  concave  at  base,  without  a  spur; 
anther  resembling  a  lid,  deciduous. 

Order  II.        DMJVDRM.         Two  stamens. 

245.  Cypripedium.  Corolla  four  petalled, 
spreading  ;  lip  inflated,  hollow  ;  capsule  three 
valved,  one  celled,  many  seeded. 


S06  Class  XX.     Order  I. 


GYNANDRIA. 

241.    ORCHIS. 
Orchis  psyoodes.  Willd.  Ragged  Orchis. 

Lip  three  parted,  capillary,  many  cleft ;  petals 
obtuse ;  spur  filiform-club  shaped,  as  long  as  the 
germ.    Willd. 

Syn.     Orchis  lacera,  Mich. 

This  is  our  most  common  species.  Stem  two  feet  high, 
smooth.  Leaves  oblong,  smooth,  tapering  to  a  point.  Flowers 
numerous,  of  a  faint  yellow,  in  a  large,  terminal  spike.  Germs 
appearing  like  flower  stalks,  very  long  and  slender.  Petals 
five,  the  three  outer  ones  ovate,  the  two  inner  ones  oblong.  Lip 
of  the  nectary  reflexed,  divided  into  three  narrow,  wedge  shap- 
ed segments,  fringed  at  the  end.  Spur  as  long  as  the  germ, 
curving  upward. — Pastures  and  meadows. — July. — Perennial, 

Orchis  fimbriata.  Ait.  Fimbriated  Orchis. 

Lip  three  parted,  its  segments  wedge  shaped, 
ciliate-fimbriate ;  side  petals  ovate,  toothed ;  spur 
filiform,  longer  than  the  club  shaped  germ.    Willd. 

A  very  beautiful  plant.  Stem  two  feet  high,  with  several 
broad-lanceolate,  smooth  leaves,  and  ending  in  a  large  spike  of 
purple  flowers.  Germs  incurved,  thickened  in  the  middle. 
Petals  five,  spreading.  Lip  of  the  nectary  somewhat  exceed- 
ing the  petals,  divided  into  three  segments,  which  are  wedge 
shaped,  wider  than  in  the  last  species,  spreading  like  a  fan,  and 
fringed  at  the  edge.  Spur  considerably  longer  than  the  germ, 
—Meadows.— July. — Perennial. 


Class  XX.     Order  I.  207 

242.    NEOTTIA. 

Neottia  oernua.  Willd,  Drooping  J\''eottia.    Ladies 

traces. 

Leaves  lanceolate,  three  nerved ;  stem  sheath- 
ed ;  flowers  recurved-drooping ;  lip  oblong,  entire, 
acute.   Willd. 

Syn.     OPHsrs  cersua.  L. 

This  plant  is  distinguished,  like  several  others  of  its  genus, 
by  the  spiral  arrangement  of  its  flowers.  Lower  leaves  very 
long,  linear-lanceolate,  nerved.  Stem  round,  somewhat  fleshy, 
invested  with  short,  alternate,  leafy  sheaths  ;  pubescent  at  top. 
Spike  dense,  oblong.  Flowers  curving  downward,  of  a  dull 
white  colour.  Germs  ovate.  Lip  of  the  nectary  entire,  acute. 
— In  moist  ground.— August. — September.— Perennial. 

Xeottia  pubescens.  Willd.  Veined  JVleottia,    Rattle' 

snake  plantain. 

Radical  leaves  ovftte,  petioled,  reticulated  ; 
scape  sheathed,  scape  and  flowers  pubescent;  lip 
ovate,  acuminate  ;  petals  ovate.    Willd. 

Sy7l.      SA'TrsiUM  REPENS.   Mich. 

A  singular  plant,  remarkable  for  its  dark  leaves,  reticulated 
on  their  upper  surface  with  white  veins.  They  proceed  from 
the  root  or  base  of  the  scape  on  short  petioles,  are  ovate,  acute, 
entire,  and  generally  endure  the  winter.  Stem  or  scape  erect, 
invested  with  a  number  of  acute  sheaths,  distinctly  pubescent. 
Spike  oblong,  downy.  Flowers  white,  from  all  sides  of  the 
-stem.— Woods. — July,  August. — Perennial. 


a08  Class  XX.     Order  I. 

243.  ARETHUSA. 

Arethusa  bulbosa.  L.  Bulbous  Jlrethusa. 

Root  globular  ;    scape  slicathed ;   spathe  two 

leaved.  L. 

> 

The  root  of  this  beautiful  plant  is  a  tuber  or  solid  bulb,  with 
the  stem  ascending  from  one  side.  In  small  plants  the  stem 
appears  perfectly  leafless,  and  only  invested  with  a  few  alter- 
nate sheaths.  In  large  plants  the  upper  sheath  expands  into 
a  short  lanceolate  leaf.  The  stem  is  erect,  smooth,  and  bears 
a  single  flower,  invested  at  base  with  a  minute,  two  leaved 
spathe.  Petals  blue,  all  of  them  bent  to  one  side,  in  the  form 
of  a  hood.  Lip  of  the  nectary  spreading,  deflexed,  somewhat 
crenate,  bearded  inside.  Style  large,  broad,  incurved  like  the 
petals,  supporting  the  anther  near  its  end.— Meadows.— May.— 
June. 

Arethusa  ophioglossoides.  L.       Jidders^  tongue  Arethusa, 

Root  fibrous  ;  scape  furnished  with  an  oval  leaf, 
and  a  lanceolate  spathe-like*  leafet.  L, 

The  root  has  no  appearance  of  a  bulb.  Stem  erect,  with 
two  remote  leaves,  one  about  midway  of  the  stem,  oval  and 
sheathing  at  base ;  the  other  near  the  flower,  ovate-lanceolate, 
much  smaller.  Flower  pale  blue,  nodding,  its  petals  spread- 
ing more  than  in  the  last  species.  Lip  of  the  nectary  spreading, 
fringed  at  the  edge.  Pistil  bearing  the  anther  near  its  end,  and 
shorter  than  in  the  foregoing.— Meadov/s. — Juno. 

244.  CYMBIDIUM. 

Cymbidilm  pulchellum.  Sw.  Tuberous  Cymhidium. 

Leaves  radical,  ensiform,  nerved  ;  scape  few 
flowered ;  lip  erect,  narrowed  at  base,  with  an  ex- 
panded border,  and  a  concave  hairy  disc.  Siv. 

Syn.     LiMQDORUM  Tuberosum.  L. 


Class  XX,      Order  II.  S09 

This  fine  plant  is  found  in  meadows  at  Cambridge,  and  else- 
where, flowering  in  July.  Root  bulbous.  Stem  one  or  two 
feet  high,  sheathed  at  base.  The  plant  has  only  one,  long,  grass 
like,  sheathing  leaf.  The  spike  contains  several  alternate,  pur- 
ple flowers.  Petals  five,  spreading.  Lip  of  tiie  nectary  erect, 
increasing  in  width  upward,  and  furnished  toward  the  top  with 
yellow,  glandular  hairs.  Style  opposite  to  this,  concave,  dilat- 
ed, supporting  a  terminal  anther. — Perennial. 

245.     CYPRIPEDIUM. 
Cypripedium  acaule.  dit.  Ladies''  slipper. 

Scape  leafless,  one  flowered ;  root  leaves  two, 
oblong,  obtuse  ;  lobe  of  the  style  round-rhomboid- 
al,  acuminate,  deflexed  ;  petals  lanceolate  ;  lip 
longer  than  the  petals,  cleft  before.  Willd,  suh 
syn. 

Syn.     CrPRlPEDiUM  humile.   Siv.  Salisb.  Willd. 

This  singular  genus  are  readily  known  by  their  large,  in- 
flated nectary.  The  present  species  diff'ers  from  the  rest  in 
having  no  stem  leaves.  The  leaves  are  two,  springing  from 
the  root,  large,  oval-lanceolate,  plaited,  downy.  Flower  com- 
monly single,  terminal,  nodding.  Petals  four,  spreading,  the 
two  lateral  ones  narroAver,  and  somewhat  waved  or  twisted. 
Nectary  a  large,  purple,  inflated  bag,  veined,  villous,  and  long- 
er than  the  petals.  Style  over  tjie  base  of  the  nectary,  support- 
ing two  lateral  anthers  on  the  inside,  and  ending  in  a  broad, 
roundish,  deflexed,  acute  lobe,  carjnatedon  the  inside. — Woods. 
— May,  June. — Perennial. 

27 


310  Class  XXI.     Order  III. 


Class  XXI.  MONCECIA.        Staminiferous 

and  pistiliferouSf  or  barren  and  fertile  flowers 
on  the  same  plant. 

Order  II.  DMJ\'*DRM,         Two  stamens. 

246.  Lemna.  Calyx  one  leafed ;  corolla  none; 
style  one  ;  capsule  many  seeded. 

Order  III.     TRMJ^DRM.     Three  stamens. 

247.  Eriocaulon.  Greneral  calyx  an  imbri- 
cate head  ;  corollas  three  petalled  ;  seed  one,- 
crowned  with  the  corolla. 

248.  Carex.  Spike  imbricate ;  calyx  glume 
one  valved  ;  corolla  none  ;  stigmas  two  or  three  ; 
seeds  covered  with  a  swelling  tunic. 

349.  Sparganium.  Ament  roundish ;  calyx 
three  leaved ;  corolla  none  ;  stigma  cloven ;  drupe 
dry,  one  seeded. 

S50.  Typha.  Ament  of  barren  flowers  cylin- 
drical, hairy  ;  anthers  about  three  on  each  filament. 
Anient  of  fertile  flowers  cylindrical ;  seed  one,  on 
a  feathery  pedicel.  . 

251.  CoMPTONiA.  Aments  imbricated;  in  the 
barren  flowers,  calyx  two  leaved ;  corolla  none ; 
anther  two  parted.  In  the  fertile  flowers,  calyx  six 
leaved  j  corolla  none ;  styles  two ;  nut  ovate. 


Class  XXI.     Order  YUl,  211 

Order  IV.     TETRAJ^DRU.    Four  stamens, 

252,  Urtica.    Barren  flowers,  calyx  four  leav 
€d ;   corolla  none ;    nectary  central,  cup   shaped. 
Fertile  flowers,  calyx  two  leaved ;  corolla  none ; 
>seed  one,  superior,  shining. 

S53.  Alnus.  Barren  flowers,  anient  composed 
of  wedge  shaped,  three  flowered  receptacles  ;  co- 
rolla four  parted.  Fertile  flowers,  scales  of  the 
ament  two  flowered ;  corolla  none ;  styles  two  | 
seed  compressed,  ovate. 

Order  V.     PEJYTJJVJDRIJ. 

254.  Xanthium.  Barren  flowers,  calyx  com- 
mon,  imhricate  ;  florets  funnel  form,  five  cleft ;  re- 
ceptacle chaffy.  Fertile  flowers,  calyx  two  leaved, 
two  flowered ;  corolla  none ;  drupe  dry,  prickly, 
cloven ;  nucleus  two  celled. 

255.  Ambrosia.  Barren  flowers,  calyx  com- 
mon, one  leafed ;  florets  funnel  form,  three  cleft; 
receptacle  naked.  Fertile  flowers,  calyx  one  lea^ 
ed,  one  flowered  ;  corolla  none  5  nut  toothed,  one 
seeded. 

256.  Amaranthus.  Barren  flowers,  calyx 
three  leaved  ;  corolla  none  ;  stamens  three  or  five. 
Fertile  flowers,  calyx  three  leaved ;  corolla  none ; 
styles  three ;  capsules  one  celled,  opening  trans- 
versely ;  seed  one. 

Order  VIU.  POLIAJYURM.       Eight  or  more  sta- 

mens. 

257'  Sagittaria.     Calyx  three  leaved  ;    co- 


2L2  Class  XXI.     Order  VIII. 

roUa  three  petalled.  Barren  flowers  with  about 
twenty  four  stamens.  Fertile  ones  with  numerous 
pistils  ;  capsules  many,  swelling,  one  seeded. 

258.  Myriophyllum.  Calyx  four  leaved,  co- 
rolla four  petalled.  Barren  flowers  with  eight  sta- 
mens. Fertile  ones  with  four  stigmas ;  seeds  four, 
coated. 

259.  Arum.  Spathe  one  leafed;  spadix  cy- 
lindrical, naked  at  top,  with  stamens  in  the  middle 
and  germs  at  the  base ;  berries  one  celled. 

560.  Call  A.  Spathe  ovate ;  spadix  covered 
with  flowers  ;  corolla  none ;  berry  many  seeded. 

561.  Fagus.  Barren  flowers,  calyx  campanu- 
late,  five  or  six  cleft ;  corolla  none,  stamens  fronj. 
eight  to  twelve.  Fertile  flowers,  calyx  from  four 
to  six  toothed,  hairy ;  corolla  none  ;  germs  two  ; 
nuts  two,  contained  in  the  coriaceous,  four  cleft, 
prickly  calyx. 

262.  Castanea,  Barren  flowers,  ament  nak- 
ed ;  calyx  none  ;  corolla  five  or  six  petalled  ;  sta- 
mens from  five  to  twenty.  Fertile  flowers,  calyx 
five  or  six  leaved,  muricated  ;  corolla  none  ;  germs 
three  ;  styles  six  ;  stigma  pencil  form ;  nuts  three, 
contained  in  the  prickly  calyx. 

263.  QuERcus.  Barren  flowers,  ament  naked; 
calyx  four  or  five  cleft ;  corolla  none  ;  stamens  from 
four  to  ten.  Fertile  flowers,  calyx  commonly  six 
toothed  ;  corolla  none  ;  styles  from  one  to  five  ;  nut 
coriaceous,  surrounded  at  base  by  the  persistent  ca- 
lyx. 


Class  XXI.     Order  IX.  S13 

264.  JuGLANS.  Barren  flowers^  ament  imbri- 
cate ;  calyx  scale  form  ;  corolla  six  parted  ; 
filaments  about  eighteen.  Fertile  ilowers,  calyx 
four  cleft,  superior ;  corolla  four  parted ;  styles 
two  ;  drupe  coriaceous,  with  a  grooved  nut. 

265.  Betula.  Barren  flowers,  ament  imbri- 
cate, scales  peltate,  three  flowered ;  calyx  a  scale  ; 
corolla  none  ;  stamens  from  ten  to  twelve.  Fertile 
flowers,  ament  imbricate ;  calyx  scale  two  flower- 
ed ;  corolla  none  ;  seed  one,  winged. 

S66.  CoRYLUS.  Barren  flowers,  calyx  a  scale 
of  the  anient,  three  cleft ;  corolla  none  ;  stamens 
eight.  Fertile  flowers,  calyx  two  cleft,  lacerated ; 
styles  two ;  nut  ovate,  smooth,  surrounded  with  the 
persistent  calyx. 

267.  OsTRYA.  Barren  flowers,  ament  imbri- 
cate ;  calyx  a  scale ;  corolla  none ;  filaments  brancli- 
ed.  Fertile  flowers,  ament  naked ;  calyx  none ; 
corolla  none  ;  capsules  inflated,  imbricated,  one 
seeded  at  base. 

S68.  Platanus.  Aments  globular.  Barren 
flowers,  corolla  hardly  visible  ;  anthers  growing 
round  the  filament.  Fertile  flowers,  corolla  many 
parted ;  stigma  recurved ;  seeds  roundish,  with  a 
capillary  down  at  the  base. 

Order  IX.         MOJ^JIDELPHM.     Stamens  united. 

269.  Pixus.  Barren  flowers,  calyx  four  leav^ 
cd,  corolla  none  ;  stamens  mauy.  Fertile  flowers, 
ament  a  cone  ;  calyx  scale  two  flowered  ;  corolla 
none  ;  pistils  two  5  nuts  two,  winged. 


314?  Class  XXI,     Order  IX, 

syo.  CupRESSus.  Barren  JBiowers,  anient  im- 
bricate ;  calyx  a  scale ;  corolla  none ;  anthers  four, 
without  filaments.  Fertile  flowers,  ament  a  cone  ; 
calyx  scale  one  flowered ;  corolla  none ;  stigmas 
two ;  nut  9,ngular. 

271.  AcALYPHA.  Barren  flowers,  calyx  three 
or  four  leaved ;  corolla  none ;  stamens  about  twelve. 
Fertile  flowers,  calyx  three  leaved  ;  corolla  none  ; 
capsules  three  grained,  three  celled ;  seeds  solita- 


Class  XXI.     Order  III.  Ud 


MONCECIA. 

BMJ>rDRM. 

246.    LEMNA. 
Lbmna  minor.  L.  Duck  meat. 

Leaves  sessile^  nearly  flat  on  both  sides ;  root 
solitary.  L* 

This  minuce  plant,  resembling  a  small  floating  scale,  multi- 
plies extensively  in  stagnant  ponds  and  ditches,  frequently  giv- 
ing a  green  appearance  to  their  whole  surface.  The  leaves, 
which  constitute  most  of  the  plant,  cohere  two  or  three  togeth- 
er, are  small,  ovate,  entire,  smooth,  and  slightly  convex  under- 
neath. Root  long,  solitary,  undivided,  terminating  in  a  small 
sheath.     Flowers  minute,  proceeding  from  a  marginal  fissure? 

T^MJ^DRM. 

247.    ERIOCAULON. 

Eriocaulon  pellucidum.  Mich.,         Transparent  Piimwort, 

Glabrous ;  leaves  subulate,  channelled,  pellu- 
cid, five  nerved ;  stem  solitary ;  head  somewhat 
apple-shaped ;  involucre  hardly  distinct,  with  ob- 
tuse scales.  Mich,  abr. 

Syn.     Eriocaulon  SEPtANGULARE?  Sm. 

Found  in  ponds,  growing  under  water,  a  part  of  the  stem 
only  projecting  above  the  surface,  and  supporting  a  small,  flat 
head  of  obscui'e  flowers.  The  whole  plant  appears  made  up  of 
a  mass  of  cells,  whose  reticulated  appearance  is  very  obvious, 
particularly  in  the  root.  The  leaves  grow  in  a  tuft  at  the  bot- 
tom.    They  are  one  o^^two  inches  long,  narrow,  tapering  to  a 


S16  Class  XXI.     Order  III, 

point,  transparent  at  base,  like  the  root.  Stem  erect,  furnished 
with  a  sheath  at  base,  simple,  with  six  and  sometimes  seven  an- 
gles, terminating  in  a  small,  hemispherical  head  of  close  flow- 
ers.— August. 

248.     CAREX. 
Carex  scoparia.   JFilld,  Broom  Sedge  grass. 

Spike  androgynous,  compound  ;  spikelets 
about  five,  alternate,  oval,  obtuse,  approximated, 
barren  below  ;  stigmas  two  ;  fruit  ovate-lanceolate, 
margined,  two  pointed ;  bractes  oblong,  mucronat- 
ed.   Willd. 

Pretty  common  in  moist  land.  Leaves  sheathing,  rough  on 
the  edge.  Culm  triangular,  the  angles  rough.  Spikelets 
small,  oval,  sessile,  containing  barren  and  fertile  flowers. — June. 
—Perennial. 

Carex  stipata.  Mukl.  Close  spiked  Sedge.* 

Spike  androgynous,  compound ;  spikelets  about 
five,  oblong,  barren  above,  aggregate  ;  stigmas 
two ;  fruit  spreading,  ovate,  acuminate,  two  point- 
ed, flat  and  convex,  nerved  ;  culm  triangular,  very 
rough.   Willd. 

A  larger  species  than  the  last.  The  culm  ends  in  an  irreg- 
ular, interrupted  spike  of  barren  and  fertile  flowers,  composed 
by  five  or  six  crowded  spikelets.  Fruit  diverging,  ovate,  with 
a  long  point,  flat  on  the  inside,  convex  on  the  outside.— Mead- 
ows.— May. — Perennial. 

Carex  varia.  Muhl.  Variable  Sedge. 

Barren  spike  solitary  ;  fertile  ones  about  three, 
somewhat  approximated,  sessile,  roundish;  stig- 
mas three  ;  fruit  roundish-three  cornered,  beaked, 


Class  XXI.     Order  III.  217 

two  toothed,  pubescent,  shorter  than  their  oblong 
scale  ;  culm  erect.   Willd. 

Culm  slender,  triangular,  rough  at  top,  sradoth  below.  Bar- 
ren spike  cylindrical.  Fertile  spikes  very  short.  Capsules 
globular,  with  three  prominent  lines,  and  a  short  beak.  Scales 
white  at  the  edge. — May. — Perennial. 

Carex  VESTiTA.  Wtlld.  Halrij  beaked  Sedge. 

Barren  spike  solitary,  lanceolate ;  fertile  ones 
two,  ovate,  sessile,  approximated ;  stigmas  three ; 
fruit  ovate,  beaked,  with  its  mouth  oblique,  pubes- 
cent, nearly  equalling  its  ovate,  acute  scale.   Willd, 

Culm  triangular,  somewhat  rough.  Barren  spike  an  inch 
or  more  in  length.  Fertile  ones  shorter,  sessile,  each  furnished 
with  a  leafy  bracte  of  considerable  size  at  its  base.  Stigmas 
long,  giving  the  outside  of  the  spikes  a  hairy  appearance. — 
June.-— Pe  rennial . 

Carex  lupuhna.  Muhl.  Hop  Sedge. 

Barren  spike  solitary ;  fertile  ones  three,  on  in- 
closed footstalks,  oblong,  approximated ;  bractes 
very  long,  leafy ;  stigmas  three  ;  fruit  ovate,  inflat- 
ed, nerved,  with  a  long,  conical,  two  pointed  beak, 
many  times  longer  than  their  ovate,  raucronate  scale, 
WUld. 

Very  observable  in  meadows  for  its  large,  inflated  spikes. 
Culm  triangular,  nearly  smooth.  Fertile  spikes  nearly  sessile, 
supported  at  base  by  very  broad,  leafy  bractes.  Fruit  crowded, 
swollen,  terminating  in  a  slender  beak. — June,  July. — Perenni- 
al. 

Carex  follioulata.  L.  Rcund  spiked  Sedge. 

Barren  spike  solitary  ;  fertile  one  mostly  soli- 
ds 


318  Glass  XXL     Order  III. 

tary,  about  six  flowered,  with  a  visible  footstalk ; 
stigmas  three  ;  fruit  ovate,  inflated,  nerved,  its  beak 
with  a  two  parted  mouth  ;  scale  ovate,  shorter  than 
the  fruit.   Willd. 

This  species  resembles  the  last  in  its  turgid,  inflated  cap- 
sules, but  differs  in  the  number  and  size  of  its  spikes.  Culm 
acutely  triangulai'.  Floral  leaves  very  large  and  long.  Fertile 
spike  commonly  single,  shortly  petioled,  few  flowered.  Fruit 
very  large,  swelling,  beaked,  divergent. — June. — Perennial. 

Carex  crinita.  Willd.  Chaffy  Sedge. 

Barren  spikes  two ;  fertile  spikes  four,  distant, 
pedunculated,  pendulous,  cylindrical ;  stigmas  two ; 
fruit  round-oval,  swelling,  with  a  short  beak  entire 
at  the  mouth,  shorter  than  the  oblong,  awned  scale. 
Willd. 

A  tall,  elegant  grass,  remarkable  for  its  long,  pendulous, 
bristly  spikes.  Culm  triangular,  three  feet  high.  Leaves  and 
bractes  rough,  very  long.  Fertile  spikes  cylindrical,  nodding, 
or  pendulous,  acquiring  a  bristly  appearance  from  the  bearded 
awns  of  the  scales. — Wet  ground  near  Fresh  Pond. — June. — • 
Perennial. 

249.     SPARGANIUM. 

i5PAR.GANiUM  RAMosuM.  Sm.  Burr  reed. 

Leaves  triangular  at  the  base,  their  sides  con- 
cave ;  common  flower  stalk  branched ;  stigma  lin- 
ear. Sm. 

Readily  distinguished  from  other  Reeds  and  Flags,  by  the 
round  burrs  or  heads  of  flowers  on  its  branches.  The  radical 
leaves  are  three  sided  at  base,  erect,  at  length  becoming  sword 
shaped,  with  rather  obtuse  points.     Stem  leaves  concave,  and 


Class  XXI.     Order  HI.  2i9 

sheathing.  The  stem  is  ei-ect,  round,  and  smooth,  with  sever- 
al branches.  Heads  of  flowers  alternate,  sessile  ;  the  lower- 
most fertile,  the  uppermost  barren,  smaller,  and  more  numer- 
ous.— In  ditches  at  Cambridgeport,  and  elsewhere.— July. — 
Perennial. 

250.     TYPHA. 

Typha  latifolia.  L.  Water  flag.    Reed  mate. 

Leaves  somewhat  ensiform ;  barren  and  fertile 
spikes  approximated.  L, 

The  Typha  latifolia  is  an  inhabitant  of  a  great  variety  of 
climates  and  countries.  It  is  common  in  deep  waters,  about 
the  margm  of  rivers  and  ponds.  Leaves  erect,  linear-sword 
shaped  and  very  long.  Stem  five  or  six  feet  high,  round, 
straight,  and  smooth.  The  fertile  flowers  form  a  large,  very 
compact,  cylindrical  spike  or  ament,  over  and  adjoining  which 
is  a  spike  of  barren  flowers.  The  leaves  of  this  plant  are  much 
used  in  the  manufecture  of  chairs. — July. — Perennial. 

251.     COMPTONIA. 
CoMPTONiA  AspLExiFOLiA.  Mt.  Sweet  fem. 

Syn.      Ll2,UIDAMBAR  ASPLENIFOLIUM.    L. 

This  handsome  shrub  possesses  a  peculiar,  and  somewhat 
spicy  scent.  It  is  pretty  common  on  hills  and  in  dry  woods,  at- 
taining to  the  height  of  about  two  or  three  feet.  Leaves  alter- 
nate, linear-lanceolate,  the  sides  deeply  indented  or  crenate, 
with  alternate  segments.  The  barren  flowers  grow  in  cylindric- 
al aments.  The  fertile  flowers  produce  small,  smooth,  ovate 
nuts,  invested  with  the  permanent  corolla,  at  first  sight  re.sem- 
leling  a  burr. — May. 


S^O  Class  XXI.     Order  lY. 

TETRAJ^DRM. 

252.  URTICA. 

Urtica  DioicA.  L.  Large  stinging  J\rettle. 

I^eaves  opposite,  heart- sliaped ;  clusters  much 
branched,  in  pairs,  mostly  dioecious.  Sm. 

The  sensible  qualities  of  this  plant  are  so  convincing,  that 
a  botanical  description  would  hardly  be  necessary  to  identify  it, 
did  not  some  others  of  the  genus  possess  similar  properties. 
Its  power  of  stinging  resides  in  its  minute,  tubular  hairs  or 
prickles,  which  transmit  a  poisonous  fluid.  It  grows  common- 
ly in  bunches  about  the  road  sides.  Stem  erect,  obtusely  quad- 
rangular. Leaves  opposite,  heart-shaped,  toothed.  Racemes 
axillary,  in  pairs,  spreading,  branched.  Flov/ers  small,  obscure, 
green. — July,  August. — Perennial. 

Urtica  pumila.  jL.  Richweed, 

Leaves  opposite,  ovate,  acuminate,  three  nerv- 
ed, serrate;  lower  petioles  as  long  as  the  leaf; 
flowers  monoecious,  triandrous,  in  corymbed  heads, 
shorter  than  the  petioles.   Willd. 

A  weed  about  houses,  distinguished  by  its  stem,  which  is 
fleshy  and  almost  transparent.  Leaves  smooth  and  shining, 
regularly  toothed  or  serrate,  very  distinctly  three  nerved,  with 
long  petioles.  Flowers  in  short  axillary  racemes  or  heads,  re- 
peatedly forked  and  recurved, — August,  September. — Annual. 

253.  ALNUS. 

Ai/Nus  SERRULATA.  Wllld.  Common  Mder, 

Leaves  obovate,  acuminate,  the  veins  and  their 
axils  hairy  underneath ;  stipules  elliptical,  obtuse. 
Willd. 

Sljn.'    BeTULA   SERRVLAfA.    Mt. 


Class  XXI.     Order  V.  3S1 

The  Alder  grows  in  wet  grounds,  and  forms  large  thickets 
in  swamps  and  about  the  edges  of  streams  and  ponds.  Consid- 
ered as  a  tree  it  ranks  with  those  of  the  smallest  size.  Its 
leaves  are  oval  or  inversely  ovate,  serrate,  acute,  or  slightly 
acuminate,  furnished  underneath  with  prominent,  parallel, 
hairy  veins.  Barren  aments  pendulous.  Fertile  ones  short, 
rigid,  forming  a  persistent  cone. — March,  April. 

PEJVT^J^DRIJ. 

254.  XANTHIUM. 

Xanthium  strumarium.  L.  Sea  Burdock. 

Stem  unarmed  ;  leaves  heart-shaped,  three 
nerved.  L, 

A  very  rough  plant,  growing  at  the  edges  of  beaches,  8cc. 
near  the  salt  water.  Stem  erect,  spotted,  bristly.  Leaves  hard 
and  rough  like  a  file,  heart-shaped,  serrate,  on  long  petioles. 
The  fruit  is  an  oval  burr,  or  nut  of  two  cells,  covered  with  stiff 
thorns,  and  ending  in  a  pair  of  strong  points,  like  horns.— Au- 
gust. 

255.  AMBROSIA. 

Ambrosia  elatior.  L.  Tall  Ambrosia.    Soman  Worm- 

wood. 

Leaves  twice  pinnatifid,  smoothish,  petioles  cil- 
iated ;  racemes  terminal,  panicled ;  stem  wand  like. 

WilU, 

• 

A  troublesome  weed  in  cultivated  grounds,  hardly  entitled 
to  the  character,  which  its  name  might  imply.  Stem  erect, 
branching,  from  one  to  three  feet  high.  Leaves  bipinnat- 
ifid,  the  upper  ones  pinnatifid,  with  parallel  segments  gradual- 
ly decreasing  in  length  toward  the  point.  Barren  flowers  nod- 
ding, small,  in  terminal  racemes.     Fertile  flowers  lower  down, 


S3S  Class  XXI.     Order  VIH. 

sessile  about  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves.— August,  Septem- 
ber.— Annual. 

256.    AMARANTHUS. 

Amaranthus  hybridus.  L.  Hybrid  Amaranth. 

Racemes  pentandrous,  decompound,  crowded, 
erect ;  leaves  ovate-lanceolate.   Willd. 

This  is  a  common  weed  in  waste  and  cultivated  grounds. 
Stem  erect,  furrowed,  somewhat  haiiy.  Leaves  alternate,  on 
long  petioles,  green,  ovate,  mostly  entire,  mucronated,  the  low- 
er ones  retuse  at  the  end.  The  flowers  are  crowded,  small,  and 
obscure,  forming  large,  green  clusters,  axillary  and  terminal, 
which  turn  to  a  dull  red  as  the  plant  grows  old. — Annual. 

POLFdJYDRM. 

257.     SAGITTARIA. 

Sagittaria  sagittifolia.  L.  Arrow  head. 

Leaves  sagittate,  acute.  L, 

Common  in  meadows,  by  the  sides  of  brooks  and  ditches, 
putting  out  its  white  flowers  in  July  and  August.  The  root  is 
fleshy,  and  has  been  used  as  food  in  times  of  scarcity.  The 
leaves  are  radical,  large,  smooth,  and  entire,  very  distinctly  ar- 
row shaped,  with  an  acute  pohit  and  lobes.  Scape  somewhat 
ti-iangular,  bearing  whorls  of  three  flowers  each,  on  simple  foot- 
stalks. Petals  three,  roundish,  very  thin  anji  deciduous,  and 
difiicult  to  preserve.  Stamens  in  the  upper  flowers ;  pistils  in 
the  lower.     Fruit  in  globular  heads. — Perennial. 

258.     MYRIOPHYLLUM. 
Myriophyllum  spicatum.  L.  Spiked  water  MillfoiL 

Leaves  all  pinnate,  capillary ,  spike  terminal, 
whorled,  naked.   Willd. 


Class  XXI.     Order  VIII.  3S3 

This  plant  grows  in  deep  ponds  and  rivers,  where  it  is  fre- 
quently drawn  up  by  the  lines  of  anglers.  Stems  long,  slender, 
fioatuig.  Leaves  in  whorls  of  four  together,  finely  divided  or 
pectinate,  always  under  water.  The  floAvering  spikes,  which 
are  the  only  part  that  emerges,  are]  solitary,  bearing  their  flow- 
ers in  small  whorls.  Petals  caducous,  or  sometimes  wanting, 
according  to  the  observation  of  diflerent  writers. — July,  Au- 
gust,— Perennial. 

259.    ARUM. 

Arum  triphyllum.  L.  Dragon  root.    Indian  turnip, 

Stemless ;  leaves  trifoliate  ;  leafets  oval,  entire. 
Mich, 

A  singular,  and  not  inelegant  plant,  native  of  our  swamps 
and  wet  woods.  Scape  round,  smooth,  sheathed  at  base  by  the 
leaf  stalks.  Leaves  ternate,  smooth,  the  leafets  oval,  acumin- 
ate, entire.  The  scape  supports  a  large,  ovate,  acuminate 
spathe,  forming  a  tube  at  bottom,  but  flattened  and  bent  over  at 
top  like  a  hood,  sometimes  green,  and  sometimes  elegantly 
striped  within.  Spadix  club  shaped,  rounded  at  the  end,  green 
or  purplish  black,  shorter  than  the  spathe,  abi'uptly  contracted 
and  surrounded  by  the  germs  at  base.  The  root  is  globular 
and  flattened,  its  upper  half  tunicatcd,  its  lower  and  larger  half 
tuberous  and  fleshy,  giving  off  its  radicles  in  a  circle  from  the 
edge.  To  the  taste  it  is  violently  acrid  and  almost  caustic. 
The  acrimony  however  is  lost  by  drying  or  boiling,  and  is  not 
communicated  to  water  or  spirit.  The  remainder  of  the  root  is 
a  mild,  farinaceous  substance,  from  which  a  sort  of  sago  or  ar- 
row root  has  been  prepared. — May. 


22^  Class  XXI.     Order  VIIL 

260.  CALL  A. 

Calla  Virginica.  Mich.  Virginian  Calla. 

Leaves   sagittate-hastate,   with  ohtuse  lobes  ; 
spathe  elongated,  incurved.  Mich. 

Syn.     Arum  VirginIcum.  L. 

The  leaves  of  this  plant  may  be  mistaken  at  sight  for  those 
of  Sagittaria,  from  which  they  differ  in  their  shorter  and  more 
obtuse  lobes,  and  the  different  distribution  of  their  nerves.  They 
are  radical,  numerous,  large,  and  smooth.  Spathe  erect,  green, 
fleshy,  cylindrical,  acuminate,  and  waved  at  its  edge.  Spadix 
shorter  than  the  spathe,  tapering  to  a  point,  and  covered  with 
flowers. — Borders  of  ponds. — June^  July. 

261.  FAGUS. 

Fagus  ferruginea.  Mt.       '  Beech  tree. 

Leaves  ovate,  acuminate,  downy  underneath, 
with  large  teeth,  ciliate  at  the  margin.   Willd, 

The  Beech  tree  is  known  in  winter  by  its  smooth  bark,  its 
narrow,  acute  buds,  and  marcescent  leaves.  The  leaves  are 
ovate,  fringed  with  fine  hairs  at  the  edge,  furnished  with  paral- 
lel veins  like  those  of  the  Chesnut,  and  with  indentations  of  mod- 
erate depth  at  the  edge.  Calyx  investing  the  fruit  somewhat 
ovate,  muricated,  with  soft,  short  prickles.     Nut  triangular. 

The  wood  of  the  beech  is  not  accounted  very  durable, 
when  exposed  to  the  vicissitudes  of  weather. 

262.    CASTANEA. 
Castanea  vesca.   Willd.  Chesnut  tree. 

Leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  acuminate,  mucro- 
nate-serrate,  naked  underneath.   Willd. 

A  very  large  and  majestic  tree.     The  bark  of  the  trunk  is 


Class  XXI.     Order  VHI.  225 

«--oarsely  divided  by  longitudinal  fissures.  Leaves  half  a  foot 
long,  lanceolate,  smooth  on  both  siaes,  with  simple,  prominent, 
parallel  veins  ending  in  large,  pointed  teeth  at  the  margin, 
•which  are  separated  by  obtuse  indentations.  Ameiits'as  long  as 
the  leaves,  yellowish.  The  calyx  investing  the  fruit  forms  a 
large,  globular  burr,  with  acute,  compound,  crowded  spines. 
Nuts  two  or  three,  their  upper  part  villous. 

Th&  American  Chesnut  tree  is  generally  considered  a  vari- 
ety of  the  European.  Its  wood  is  coarse  grained,  but  light  and 
durable.  It  is  principally  employed  in  fencing,  for  which  use  it 
furnishes  one  of  the  best  materials. 

263.     QUERCUS. 

QuERcus  ALBA.  L.  JFIiife  oak: 

Leaves  somewhat  equally  pinnatifid,  their  seg- 
ments oblongj  obtuse,  mostly  entire ;  cup  bowl- 
shaped,  rough  with  tubercles  ;  acorn  ovate.  Mich, 
ahr. 

The  white  oak  has  long  been  recognized  among  us  as  one 
of  the  most  valuable  productions  of  our  forests.  Its  name  is 
derived  from  the  whiteness  of  the  bark,  a  character  by  which  it 
may  be  distinguished  at  any  season  of  the  year.  The  leaves  are 
divided  at  their  sides  into  a  number  of  oblong,  rounded  lobes, 
which  are  perfectly  obtuse  or  entire,  not  terminating  in  points 
or  bristles.  They  are  acute  at  base,  their  under  side  pale  or 
glaucous,  and,  when  young,  pubescent.  The  acorns  are  pretty 
large,  ovate,  contained  in  the  enlarged  calyx,  which  forms  a  cup 
of  a  hemispherical  form,  scaly  and  uneven  on  the  outside. 

The  wood  of  the  white  oak  is  superior  to  any  species  in  the 
northern  states  for  strength  and  durability.  Its  timber  is  much 
used  in  ship  building,  in  frames,  in  mills,  in  waggons,  ploughs, 
Sec.  and  for  the  staves  and  hoops  of  casks.  The  great  con- 
sumption of  it  for  these  purposes,  has  rendered  it  comparative- 

4 


^M  Class  XXI.     Order  YIU. 

ly  scarce,  so  that  poorer  species  are  often  substituted,  in  the 
work  shops  of  mechanics. 

QuERcus  BiooLOR.  TfUU.  Swamp  wMte  ouk. 

Leaves  oblong- ovate,  downy,  white  underneath, 
largely  toothed,  entire  at  base,  the  teeth  unequal 
and  dilated  ;  fruit  on  long  peduncles.  Mich.  f.  siih 
sijn. 

Syjl.      QuERCUS  PSINUS  fOMEltfOSA.    Mich. 
QUERCUS  PRINUS  DISCOLOR.    Mich.f. 

This  species  grows  exclusively  in  swamps  and  low  grounds,. 
It  is  often  brought  to  market  as  fuel,  and  is  easily  distinguished 
by  its  bark,  which  separates  into  large,  flat  scales  or  plates.  The 
leaves  arc  inversely  ovate  or  wedge  shaped,  not  sinuated,  but 
bordered  with  a  serpentine  line,  producing  large,  obtuse  teeth. 
They  are  smooth  above,  but  white  and  downy  underneath.  The 
acoms  grow  in  pairs  or  single,  on  lofig  stalks.  They  are  large, 
oval,  with  a  rather  small,  hemispherical  cup. 

The  wood  of  the  swamp  oak  is  strong,  heavy,  and  flexible, 
easy  to  split,  and  in  point  of  durability  approaches  the  Avhite 
oak. 

QuERcus  TjNCTORiA.  BaHrum.  Black  oak. 

Leaves  slightly  lobed,  the  lobes  angular ;  cup 
somewhat  saucer  shaped,  acorn  depressed-globular. 
Mich,  sub  V.  angulosa. 

The  black  oak  grows  to  a  large  size,  and  is  uniformly  char- 
acterized by  the  rough,  and  very  dark  coloured  outer  bark  of  its 
trunk.  The  leaves  have  their  sides  divided  into  a  number  of 
large,  broad,  but  rather  short  lobes,  furnished  with  a  few  mu- 
cronated  teeth  and  angles.  Their  base  is  obtuse,  and  their  \m- 
der  surface,  while  young,  is  slightly  pubescent,  or  glandular. 
The  cup  of  the  fruit  is  thick,  somewhat  turbinated  and  not  deep. 
Acorn  short  and  round,  with  its  summit  depressed. 


Class  XXI.     Order  VJUI.  237 

The  bark  of  this  oak  furnishes  the  Quercitron  used  in  dyeing. 
It  is  also  one  of  the  best  species  used  in  the  tanning  of  leatlicr. 
The  wood  is  much  inferior  fo  that  of  the  white  oak,  but  is  often 
used  as  a  cheaper  substitute. 

QuERcus  cocciNEA.  JVatig.  Scarlet  oak. 

Leaves  on  long  petioles,  oblong,  deeply  sinuate, 
glabrous,  the  lobes  toothed,  acute  ;  cup  very  scaly ; 
acorn  short,  ovate.  Mich.f. 

A  large  species  of  oak.  The  leaves  are  divided  into  long, 
acute  lobes,  by  very  deep  and  large  sinuses  ;  the  lobes  ending 
in  narrow  teeth,  which  are  mucronated  with  long,  bristle  shap- 
ed points.  Both  sides  of  the  leaves  are  of  a  bright,  shining 
green.  The  acorn  is  short  and  ovate,  contained  in  a  cup  with 
prominent  scales,  and  tapering  at  base.  The  wood  of  this  spe- 
cies, as  well  as  of  the  next,  is  more  open  and  porous,  also  less 
durable,  than  that  of  the  white  oak. 

QPERGUS  RUBRA,    i.  JRsd  Ollk. 

Leaves  on  long  petioles,  glabrous,  obtusely  sin- 
uate ;  cup  saucer  shaped,  nearly  smooth ;  acorn 
nearly  ovate.  Mich.f. 

The  red  oak  is  one  of  the  largest  of  its  genus.  Its  leaves* 
are  smooth  and  shining  on  both  sides,  divided  into  narrow  lobes, 
which  end  in  mucronated  teeth,  and  are  separated  by  wide  and 
rounded  sinuses.  The  acorns  are  very  large,  and  contained  in 
a  remarkably  flat,  superficial  cup,  the  scales  of  Avhich  are  so 
compact  as  to  produce  a  comparatively  smooth  surface. 

The  foregoing  speecies  constitute  a  considerable  portion  of 
the  growth  in  the  common  woodlands  of  this  vicinity.  Their 
bark  is  the  chief  material  used  in  tanning,  and  is  occasionally 
applied  in  medicine  to  the  purposes  of  an  astringent  and  anti- 
septic. Next  to  walnut,  their  wood  is  esteemed  the  best  fuel, 
and  large  quantities  are  consumed  in  town,  brought  from  the 
south  shore,  the  Middlesex  canal,  and  the  adjacent  country. 


SS8  Class  XXI.     Order  VIIL 

QuERcus  iLioiFOLiA.  TFUld.  Shrub  oak  or  Scrub  oak. 

Leaves  on  long  petioles,  with  five  acute  lobes, 
entire  at  the  margin,  ash  coloured  on  the  under- 
side ;  cup  somewhat  top  shaped ;  acorn  roundish. 
Mich.f.  suh  syn, 

Syn.     Que  Reus  BANisfERJ.  Mich.  elf. 

The  leaves  of  the  shrub  oak  are  small,  commonly  divided 
into  five,  and  sometimes  three  acute  lobes  terminated  by  a  bris- 
tle. Tney  are  of  a  pale  colour  underneath,  and  downy  on  the 
same  side  when  young.  The  acorns  are  small,  short,  dark  col- 
oured and  striated. 

The  shrub  oak  grows  on  dry  hills  and  barren  plains,  and  is 
commonly  considered  an  indication  of  a  sterile  soil.  On  ac- 
count of  its  small  size,  it  is  rarely  appropriated  to  any  important 
use. 

264.    JUGLANS. 
JuGLANs  ALBA.  WUld.  TFIiUe  ivaliiut.     Common  hickory. 

Leafets  seven,  oblong-lanceolate,  acuminate, 
serrate,  pubescent  and  rough  underneath,  the  odd 
one  sessile ;  fruit  somewhat  four  angled,  smooth. 
WUld, 

Syn.      JuGLANS   tOMENT'OSA.    Micli.  et  f. 

The  trunk  of  this  walnut,  in  young  trees,  is  covered  with  a 
smooth  bark,  in  old  trees  the  bark  becomes  cracked,  rugged, 
and  thick,  but  never  scaly.  The  buds  in  winter  are  large,  hard, 
and  of  a  greyish  white.  The  leaves  are  pinnate,  with  seven  or 
nine  large  leafets,  which  are  serrate  and  acuminate,  nearly  ses- 
sile, their  under  side  and  common  stalk  hairy.  The  barren 
flowers  are  in  long,  pendulous,  downy  aments,  connected  three 
together ;  the  fertile  ones  at  the  ends  of  the  young  shoots.  The 
/lut  is  bard,  thick  shelled,  commonly  with  four  prominent  an= 


Class  XXI.     Order  VIH.  339 

gles,  the  kernel  tolerably  good,  the  green  shell  rather  thick, 
opening  two  thirds  of  its  length  in  autumn,  when  the  fruit  is 
ripe. 

JUGLANS  GLABRA.    Muhl.  Fig  llUt.      Hog  tlut. 

Leafets  seven,  ovate,  acuminate,  serrate,  gla- 
brous on  both  sides,  with  resinous  dots  underneath, 
the  odd  one  sessile ;  fruit  and  nut  oblong  or  obcor- 
date.     JEx  Willd.  sub  hac  et  obcordata. 

Syn.     Jug  LANS  pose  in  a.  Mich.f. 

This  species  of  walnut  has  its  young  twigs  in  winter,  ac- 
cording to  the  observation  of  Michaux,  of  a  brown  colour,  and 
smaller  by  half  than  those  of  the  white  walnut  and  shagbark. 
The  buds  are  also  small.  The  leaves  are  pinnate,  with  seven, 
sometimes  five,  nearly  sessile,  serrate,  acuminate  leafets,  smooth 
on  both  sides,  not  hairy.  Aments  in  threes,  long,  and  pedulous. 
Nut  small,  thick  shelled,  hard,  smooth  ;*\he  outer,  green  shell 
thin,  frequently  pear  shaped  or  tapering  at  base,  its  quarters  sep- 
arating half  way  down  when  the  fruit  is  ripe. 

JuGLANs  SQUAMOSA.  MicJi  f.  ShellbarJc.     Shagbark. 

Leafets  five,  on  long  petioles,  ovate-acuminate, 
serrate,  villous  underneath,  the  odd  one  sessile ; 
aments  of  barren  flowers  compound,  glabrous,  fili- 
form;  fruit  globular,  depi'^ssed;  nut  compressed. 
Mich.f.  abr. 

Syn.     JuGLANS  coMPRESSA.   Gcert.  Willd. 

The  bark  of  this  tree  separates  into  long,  flat  scales  oi 
plates,  with  loose,  detached  ends,  giving  its  trunk  a  rugged  ap- 
pearance at  a  distance.  Michaux  observes  that  the  buds  are 
distinguished  by  the  shortness  of  the  two  outer  scales,  which 
extend  but  half  their  length.  The  leaves  are  pinnate  ;  leafets^ 
five  or  seven,  large,  oblong,  acuminate,  pubescent  and  soft  un- 


S30  Class  XXI.     Order  VIII. 

demeath.  The  fruit  is  large,  roundish,  depressed  at  top,  the 
green  shell  exceedingly  thick,  and  separating  completely  into 
jjuarters.  The  nut,  which  constitutes  but  a  small  part  of  the 
whole  fruit,  is  white,  angular,  flattened,  thin  shelled,  its  kernel 
greatly  superior  to  eithei  of  the  preceding,  and  in  considerable 
re  quest. 

The  wood  of  the  three  foregoing  species  of  walnut  posses- 
ses similar  properties.  It  is  hard,  compact,  heavy,  and  of  very 
great  strength.  At  the  same  time  it  is  liable  to  warp  and  de- 
cay, especially  if  exposed  to  tlie  weather.  It  is  principally 
used  for  purposes  where  strength  is  required,  as  in  hoops, 
bows,  the  handles  of  tools,  8cc.  It  furnishes  one  of  the  best 
kinds  of  fuel  known,  and  commands  a  higher  price  in  our  mai'k- 
ets  than  any  other  species  of  wood. 

JuGLANs  ciNEREA.  L.  Butter  tiut.     OH  nut. 

Leafcts  numerous,  oblong-lanceolate_,  serrate, 
pubescent  and  soft  underneath,  petioles  viscid,  fruit 
oblong-ovate.    Willd. 

Syn.     Jug  LANS  cAVHARricA.   C-utler.  Mich.f. 

This  tree  differs  from  the  hickories  already  described,  in  its 
wood,  flowers,  and  fruit.  The  leaves  consist  of  about  fifteen 
leafets,  which  are  lanceolate,  rounded  at  base,  serrate,  and  some- 
what pubescent.  The  aments  arc  single,  not  united  three  to- 
gether, as  in  the  foregoing  species.  The  fruit  is  large,  oblong, 
somewhat  pointed,  with  a  viscid,  adhesive  surface.  The  nut 
is  oblong,  acuminated,  very  rough,  with  deep,  irregular  depres- 
sions, the  kernel  containing  a  great  quantity  of  oil. 

The  wood  is  lighter  and  weaker  than  that  of  the  preceding 
kinds,  but  is  said  to  be  durable.  An  extract  made  from  the 
bark  is  in  great  estimation  for  its  medicinal  qualities,  being  one 
of  the  most  useful  laxatives.  According  to  an  experiment  pub- 
lished in  the  Massachusetts  Agricultural  Journal,  the  sap  of  the 
butternut  tree  is  capable  of  producing  as  much  sugar  as  that  of 


Class  XXL     Order  VIH.  2?,i 

the  maple.     Four  of  the  trees  yielded  in  one  day  nine  quarts  of 
sap,  which  produced  one  and  a  quarter  pounds  of  sugar. 

265.     BETULA. 
Betula  popuhfolia,  Mt.  Common  white  Birch. 

Leaves  extensively  acuminate,  unequally  ser- 
rate, glabrous.  Mich.f. 

The  name  of  white  birch  is  indiscriminately  applied  to  thi<5 
species,  and  to  Betula  papyracea,  a  species  common  in  the  Dis- 
trict of  Maine,  and  which  furnishes  a  considerable  part  of  the 
eastern  wood  consumed  in  this  town.  The  present  species  is 
common  here  in  swamps,  and  multiplies  very  fast  in  moist 
lands  that  are  not  properly  cleared.  Like  the  paper  birch,  its 
trunk  is  covered  with  a  white,  smooth,  outer  bark,  separable  in- 
to thin  layers,  and  very  inflammable.  Its  young  twigs  are  flex- 
ible, of  a  dark  brown,  spotted  with  white.  The  leaves  arc 
heart-shaped,  tapering  to  a  long  point,  glutinous,  smooth  on 
both  sides.  The  flowers,  both  barren  and  fertile,  are  in  long, 
pendulous  aments.  The  wood  is  white,  soft,  and  very  perisha- 
ble, decaying  sooner  than  the  bark. 

Betula  lenta.  L.  Black  Birch.    Mahogany  Birch, 

Leaves  heart-ovate,  acutely  serrate,  acuminate, 
glabrous.  Mich.f. 

Syn.     Be'Tula  carpinjfoha.  Mich. 

This  fine  tree,  sometimes  also  denominated  Sweet  birch, 
and  Cherry  birch,  is  well  known  for  its  fragrant  and  aromatic- 
bark.  Its  young  twigs  are  dark  coloured,  and  spotted  Avith 
white.  Its  leaves  are  smooth,  ovate,  heart-shaped  at  base,  end- 
ing in  a  long  point,  with  very  acute,  double  serrafures  at  the 
edge,  and  distinct,  parallel  veins  underneath.  The  barren 
aments  are  pendulous,  the  fertile  ones  straight. 

The  wood  of  the  black  birch  possesses  many  valuable  qual- 
ities.    It  is  compact,  smooth,  of  a  reddish  colour,  very  strong. 


S3S  Class  XXI.     Order  VIIL 

and  not  liable  to  wai'p  and  crack.     It  is  considerably  used  in 
cabinet  work,  particularly  for  bedsteads. 

266.  CORYLUS. 

CoRYLus  Americana.  Walt.  Common  Hazel. 

Calyx  of  the  fruit  rounded  and  bell  shaped, 
larger  than  the  nut,  its  border  dilated,  tooth-ser- 
rate ;  leaves  roundish,  heart-shaped,  acuminate. 
Willd. 

The  common  hazel  nut  is  a  slender  shrub,  usually  growing 
in  bunches  about  the  borders  of  fields.  The  barren  flowers 
grow  in  long,  pendulous  aments  ;  the  fertile  ones  in  a  sort  of 
buds,  on  a  different  part  of  the  branch.  The  nuts,  which  are 
nearly  equal  in  quality  to  the  European,  grow  in  large  bunches, 
each  one  invested  with  a  large,  hairy  calyx  extending  consider- 
ably beyond  the  nut. — April. 

267.  OSTRYA. 

OsTRYA  ViRoiNicA.  Hop  Homheam.    Iron  wood. 

Cones  oblong-ovate  ;  leaves  oblong-ovate,  acu- 
minate ;  buds  acute. 

This  tree  is  generally  of  small  size,  and  remarkable  for  the 
fine  division  of  the  outer  bark  of  its  trunk.  The  leaves  are  al- 
ternate, ovate,  a  little  hearted  at  base,  finely  and  acutely  serrate, 
acuminate.  Barren  flowers  in  pendvilous  aments.  Fertile  ones 
enlarging  into  a  sort  of  oblong  cone,  in  its  structure  resembling 
the  common  hop.  This  fruit  is  composed  of  vesicles,  or  in- 
flated capsules,  lying  over  each  other,  and  containing  each  a 
seed  at  its  base. 

The  wood  is  hard,  close  grained,  and  heavy.  In  some  parts 
of  the  country  it  has  acquired  the  name  of  Lever  tuood^  ivora 
the  use  to  which  it  is  applied. 


Class  XXI.     Order  IX.  233 

263.     PLATANUS. 

Platanus  occidentahs.  L.  Plane  tree.    Button  wood. 

Sycamore. 

Leaves  lobed-angular;  branches  whitish.  Mich. 

This  tree,  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  Button  wood, 
attains  to  an  extraordinary  size.  Trees  are  said  to  be  found  in 
the  western  states,  whose  trunks  measure  from  forty  to  fifty 
feet  in  circumference.  With  us  it  is  one  of  the  largest  native 
trees.  The  leaves  are  broad  and  lobed,  with  many  acute  seg- 
ments. When  young  they  are  downy  at  the  veins  undenieath. 
On  breaking  off  the  petiole,  the  next  year's  bud  is  found  con- 
cealed within  its  base.  The  flowers  grow  in  balls  or  globular 
aments,  and  are  succeeded  by  long  seeds,  furnished  with  a  fine 
reddish  down  at  base.  The  receptacle  of  the  seeds,  constituting 
the  nucleus  of  the  ball,  is  hard  and  woody,  and  closely  enveloped 
by  a  regular  net  work,  which  may  be  easily  detached.  The 
balls  are  retained  all  Avinter  on  the  trees  by  their  tough,  fibrous 
stalks.  Each  year  the  outer  bark  of  the  branches  scales  off  to  a 
determinate  extent,  leaving  a  white  surface  beneath  it.  This  cir- 
cumstance distinguishes  the  tree  at  sight  from  all  others  around 
it. 

The  wood  is  fine  grained,  and  is  susceptible  of  a  good  pol- 
ish. It  is  however  said  to  be  liable  to  warp,  and  by  no  means 
durable  when  exposed  to  the  weather. 

MOJVADELPHM. 

269.      PINUS. 

PiNus  rigida.  L.  Fitch  Pine. 

Leaves  in  threes  ;  cones  ovate,  clustered  ; 
spines  of  the  scales  reflexed ;  sheaths  of  the  leaves 
short.  Lamb, 

The  Pitch  Pine  is  a  very  common  inhabitant  of  barren,  sandy 
30 


234  Class  XXI.     Order  IX. 

tracts  of  land.  Its  bark  is  very  thick,  and  rough  with  deep,  ir^' 
regular  clefts.  The  leaves  are  of  moderate  length,  needle  shap- 
ed, and  united  three  together  in  a  common  sheath.  The  cones 
are  ovate  or  pyramidal,  the  scales  rigid,  each  one  armed  with  a 
short,  acute,  reflexed  spine. 

The  wood  abounds  in  turpentine,  and  contains  a  large  por- 
tion of  alburnum  or  sap.  It  is  occasionally  employed  in  build- 
ing, but  is  chiefly  used  as  a  light  fuel,  under  the  form  of  "  split 
pine." 

PiNus  sTROBus.  L.  White  Pine. 

Leaves  in  fives  :  cones  cylindrical,  longer  than 
the  leaves,  loose.  *Mt.  # 

This  noble  and  very  useful  tree  rises  with  a  straight  trunk 
to  an  uncommon  height.  Its  bark  is  comparatively  smooth, 
and  in  young  trees  it  is  without  fissures.  The  branches  are 
given  off  in  whorls  or  circles.  The  leaves  are  much  finer  and 
more  delicate  than  m  the  last  species.  They  grow  in  fascicles 
of  five  together,  with  hardly  any  sheaths.  The  cones  are  very 
long,  cylindrical,  curved,  and  pendulous  ;  composed  of  large, 
smooth,  loose  scales. 

The  trunk  possesses  very  little  resin,  and  its  portion  of  sap 
wood  is  comparatively  small.  The  texture  of  the  wood  is  fine 
and  soft.  No  tree  is  more  extensively  employed  in  building, 
or  for  the  ordinary  purposes  of  carpenters'  and  joiners'  work. 
The  large  trees  are  particularly  in  request  for  the  masts  of 
ships,  and  vast  quantities  of  the  wood  have  been  annually  ex- 
ported from  the  eastern  coast  in  the  form  of  timber  and  boards. 

PiNus  NIGRA.  Ait.  Black  or  double  Spruce. 

Leaves  solitary,  four  cornered,  erect,  straight ; 
cones  ovate,  scales  elliptical,  waved  at  the  edge, 
erect.  Lamb. 

Cyn.     Abies  nigra.  Mich. 


Class  XXI.     Order  IX. 

The  branches  of  the  double  Spruce  are  thickly  covered  on 
all  sides  with  short,  dark  coloured,  linear  leaves,  inserted  later- 
ally and  singly.  The  cones  are  small,  oval,  pendulous,  compos- 
ed of  thin  scales,  which  are  waved  and  crenate,  or  partially  cleft 
on  the  edge. 

This  tree  is  not  very  common,  unless  cultivated,  in  the  en- 
virons of  Boston.  At  the  eastward  it  is  frequent.  Its  wood  is 
light,  strong,  and  elastic,  and  much  used  for  the  smaller  spars 
of  vessels. 

PiNUs  Canadensis.  L.  Hemlock  Spruce. 

Leaves  solitary,  flat,  denticulate,  nearly  in  two 
rows  ;  cones  ovate,  terminal,  hardly  longer  than  the 
leaves.  Lamb. 

Syn.     Abies  Canadensis.  Mich. 

The  Hemlock  occurs  pretty  frequently  in  woods  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  Boston.  It  is  a  straight  tree,  remarkable  for  the  hori- 
zontal arrangement  of  its  branches  and  leaves.  The  leaves  are 
in  two  rows,  close,  linear-oblong,  obtuse,  nearly  flat  beneath,  a 
little  convex  above.  When  examined  with  a  glass,  they  are 
found  edged  with  minute  teeth.  Cones  ovate-oblong,  very 
small. 

The  wood  of  the  Hemlock  is  occasionally  substituted  for 
Pine,  to  which  it  is  inferior,  in  building.  The  bark  possesses 
the  tanning  principle  in  great  perfection,  and  is  used  in  the  pre- 
paration of  leather,  as  a  substitute  for,  or  in  combination  with 
the  bark  of  the  oaks, 

PiNUS  MicROCARPA.  Lamb.  Red  Larch. ,  JIacmatack. 

Leaves  fascicled,  deciduous  ;  cones  roundish, 
few  flowered,  with  inflected  scales ;  bractes  ellip- 
tic, obtusely  acuminate.  Lamb. 

Syn.     Larik  Americana.  Mich, 


S36  Class  XXI.     Order  IX. 

The  Larch  is  a  fine  tree,  differing  remarkahly  from  the 
Pines,  already  mentioned,  in  its  leaves,  which  fall  at  the  ap- 
proach of  winter.  They  grow  in  tufts  or  fascicles,  on  the  sides 
of  the  branches,  which  are  mostly  horizontal.  The  tree  flow- 
ers with  small  aments,  the  barren  ones  containing  two  anthers 
under  each  scale,  and  the  fertile  ones  two  germs.  These  last 
are  succeeded  by  small  cones,  with  soft  scales,  inflected  at  tl^e 
edge.  Seeds  small,  Avinged.  This  tree  attains  the  height  of 
eighty  or  ninety  feet.  Its  wood  is  strong  and  durable,  and  is 
used  in  ship  building.     It  frequents  a  low,  moist  soil. 

270.     CUPRESSUS, 
CupREssus  THUYoiDEs.   L,  White  Cedar, 

Branclilets  compressed  ;  leaves  in  four  rows, 
imbricatedj  ovate,  tuberculated  at  base.   Willd. 

The  White  Cedar  grows  naturally  in  wet  situations,  some- 
times occupying  considerable  tracts  of  marshy  land,  known  by 
the  name  of  Cedar  swamps.  The  small  branches  are  finely 
subdivided,  th-^ir  last  divisions  compressed,  and  covered  by  four 
rows  of  short,  minute  leaves,  the  two  lateral  rows  longest.  Each 
leaf  is  furnished  with  a  minute  tubercle  or  gland  on  the  back, 
near  its  base.  Cones  extremely  small,  angular,  and  somewhat 
spherical. 

The  wood  is  light,  soft,  and  very  durable.  It  is  used  for 
shingles,  for  Avooden  vessels,  also  for  fencing  and  other  purpos- 
es where  durability  is  required.  This  tree  and  the  last  are 
found  occasionally,  but  not  frequently,  in  the  neighboxirhood  of 
Boston. 

271.    ACALYPHA. 
AcALYPHA  ViRGiNicA.  L.  Three  seeded  Mercury, 

Pubescent,  leaves  on  short  petioles,  lance-ob- 
long, serrate  ;  involucres  subsessile,  axillary,  nerv- 
ed, cut  into  acute,  crested  segments.  Mich,  abr. 


Class  XXI.     Order  IX.  2-37 

An  annual  plant  of  ordinary  appearance.  Branches  pubes- 
cent. Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  with  a  rather  obtuse  point,  re- 
motely serrate  or  crenate  at  the  edge,  somewhat  three  nerved. 
Involucres  of  the  fruit  axillary,  hairy,  on  short  stalks,  their 
edge  cut  into  a  number  of  long,  acute,  ciliated  segments  or 
teeth.— Woeds,  Cambridge. — August. 


S38  Class  XXII.     Order  XHI. 

Class  XXTI.  DICECIA.      Barren  and  fer- 

tile jloicers  on  different  plants. 

Order  II.  DMJSrDRM,        Two  stamens. 

272,  Salix.  Calyx  scale  of  an  ament ;  corol- 
la none.  In  the  barren  flowers^  from  one  to  five 
stamens,  with  a  nectariferous  gland  at  the  base. 
In  the  fertile  flowers,  two  stigmas  ;  capsule  one 
celled,  two  valved  ;  seeds  downy. 

Order  IV.  TETRdJYDRM.     Four  stamens. 

S73.  Myrica.  Calyx  a  concave  scale  of  the 
ament ;  corolla  none ;  styles  two  ;  berry  one  seed- 
ed. 

Order  VI.  HEXJiJ^'DRM.  Six  stamens. 

274i.  SxMiLAx.  Calyx  six  leaved  ;  corolla 
none  ;  styles  three  ;  berry  three  celled ;  seeds  two. 

Order  XU.  POLlJiJ^DRM.        Many  stamens. 

275.  PopuLus.  Calyx  a  lacerated  scale  of  the 
ament ;  corolla  turbinate,  oblique,  entire.  In  the 
fertile  flowers,  stigma  four  cleft ;  capsules  two  cell- 
etl,  many  seeded. 

Order  XIII.     MO^N'JIDELPHM.    Stamens  united. 

27Q.  JuNiPERUs.  Barren  flowers,  calyx  the 
scales  of  an  ament ;  corolla  none  ;  stamens  three. 
Fertile  flowers,  calyx  scales  of  an  ament,  fewer, 
three  parted,  becoming  fleshy,  united  into  a  three 
seeded  berrv. 


Glass  XXIT.     Order  IV.  tSQ 


DICECIA. 

DMJVDRM. 

272.     SALIX, 

Salix  eriocephala.  Mich.  Swamp  TFilloiVi 

Diandrous  ;  twigs  downy  ;  leaves  oblong-oval^ 
somewhat  retuse  at  base,  serrulate  ;  aments  oval, 
exceedingly  villous.  Mich. 

A  small  tree,  common  in  low,  moist  grounds,  where  its 
woolly  aments  expand  during  the  month  of  March,  and  are  usu- 
ally in  flower  the  first  week  in  April.  The  scales  of  both  the 
barren  and  fertile  aments  are  covered  with  very  long,  even, 
smooth,  silken  hairs,  which  at  a  distance  give  them  a  woolly 
appearance.  In  the  barren  aments  each  scale  produces  two 
long,  yellow  anthers  ;  in  the  fertile  ones,  which  exceed  the  last 
in  length,  they  support  an  oblong,  tapering,  downy  germ. 
Leaves  oval-oblong,  nearly  entire,  green  above,  glaucous  and 
somewhat  downy  beneath. 

TETRAJ^nilM. 

273.    MYRICA. 

Myrica  Gale.  L.  Sweet  Gale.     Dutch  Myrtle. 

■  Leaves  wedge-lanceolate,  slightly  serrate  above ; 
barren  aments  imbricate,  the  scales  ciliate  ;  fruit  in 
scaly  heads.  Mich, 

A  branching  shrub,  about  four  or  five  feet  in  height.  Leaves 
alternate,  lanceolate-wedge  shaped,  (their  termination  much 
more  obtuse  than  in  the  European  variety,)  serrated  and  nearly 
smooth.     Aments  alternate,  from  the  axils  of  the  last  year's 


mo  Class  XXll.     Ordet^YL 

leaves,  short,  oblong-ovate.     The  fruit  has  a  strong,  penetrat- 
ing, spicy  scent. — About  the  edges  of  Fresh  Pond. — April. 

Myrica  cerifera.  L.  Bayberry.     Wax  Myrtle, 

Leaves  wedge-lanceolate,  slightly  serrate  above ; 
barren  aments  loose ;  fruit  spherical,  naked,  dis- 
tinct. Mich. 

The  Bayberry  grows  in  every  kind  of  soil,  and  varies  con- 
siderably in  size.  The  shrubs  which  grow  in  the  moist  woods 
at  Cambridgeport,  are  usually  six  or  seven  feet  in  height. 
Leaves  oblong-oval,  entire,  or  furnished  with  a  few  remote 
teeth.  Flowers  in  short  aments  on  the  sides  of  the  last  year's 
shoots.  They  have  a  peculiar,  somewhat  spicy  taste.  In  au- 
tumn the  fertile  twigs  are  surrounded  with  bunches  of  small, 
crowded,  greyish  berries,  which  remain  after  the  leaves  have 
fallen.  The  surface  of  these  berries  is  covered  with  wax, 
which  is  obtained  by  boiling  them  in  water,  until  the  wax  sep- 
arates and  floats  upon  the  surface.  In  the  interior  where  these 
shrubs  are  frequent,  the  wax  is  collected  in  considerable  quan- 
tities, and  used  for  candles,  an  ingredient  in  ointments,  and  oth- 
er purposes. 

HEXAJ^DRM. 

274.     SMILAX. 

Smii/Ax  ROTUNDiFOLiA.  L.  Gvceti  Briar, 

Stem  prickly,  round;  leaves  unarmed,  heart- 
shaped,  pointed,  five  or  seven  nerved. 

A  hardy  and  very  troublesome  vine,  climbing  upon  trees 
and  bushes,  and  forming,  with  its  thorny  branches,  almost  im- 
passable thickets.  Stem  smooth,  woody,  strong,  armed  with 
short,  straight,  rigid  thorns,  proceeding  from  the  wood.  Leaves 
large,  smooth,  roundish-heart  shaped,  ending  in  a  short  point, 
commonly  five  nerved.    Tendrils  very  strong,  from  the  top  of 


Class  XXII.     Order  Xll.  S41 

the  stipules.     Umbels  of  flowers  small,  on  short,  axillary  stalks. 
Berries  small. — Moist  woods. — June. 

Smilax  pedunoularis.  Mithl.  Long  stalked  SmilcMC. 

Stem  round,  unarmed ;  leaves  roundish-ovate, 
acuminate,  nine  nerved,  peduncle  of  the  fertile  um- 
bel longer  than  the  leaves. 

A  rank,  herbaceous,  climbing  plant.  Stem  round,  smooth, 
attaching  itself  to  other  plants  by  its  stipular  tendrils.  Leaves 
of  the  stem  large,  heart-shaped,  with  a  short  point,  petioled, 
smooth,  with  about  nine  nerves.  Flowers  small,  greenish,  with 
an  offensive  odour,  in  simple  umbels,  on  very  long,  axillary  pe- 
duncles. The  fertile  ones  are  succeeded  by  large  bunches  of 
rounded,  compressed,  crowded,  bluish  beiTies.  The  axils  of 
many  of  the  leaves  give  rise  to  short,  barren  branches,  support- 
ing half  a  dozen  ovate,  five  nerved  leafets. — June. — Perennial. 

FOLYAJVDRM. 

275.     POPULUS. 
PopuLus  TREMULoiDES.  Mick.  American  ^spen. 

Leaves  roundish,  abruptly  acuminate,  serrulate, 
pubescent  at  the  edge.  Mich,  f. 

The  small,  tremulous  leaves  of  this  Poplar  have  great  af- 
finity to  those  of  the  European  Aspen,  whose  quivering  foliage 
has  long  been  proverbial.  The  tree  hardly  attains  to  the  mid- 
dle size.  The  flowers  appear  in  April,  long  before  the  leaves,  in 
pendulous,  silken  aments.  The  leaves  are  small,  compared 
with  other  species,  light,  rotuidish,  scarcely  hearted  at  base. 
The  bark  is  smooth,  and  the  wood  light,  fine,  soft,  and  perisha- 
ble. 

PopuLus  GRANDiDENTATA.  Mich.       LttTge  dspeji  ov  Poplur, 

Petioles  compressed;  leaves  round-oval,  smooth 
31 


34^  Class  XXII.     Order  XIII. 

both  sides,  unequally  sinuate,  with  large  teeth,  the 
younger  ones  villous.   Mich.f. 

•SlJJl.      POPULUS   tREPIDA.    Muhl. 

This  tree  is  occasionally  met  with  in  our  woods,  but  is  much 
less  common  than  the  preceding  species.  It  is  easily  distin- 
guished from  the  various  cultivated  poplars  by  the  large,  une- 
qual indentations  on  the  margin  of  the  leaves.  The  leaves,  as 
Michaux  observes,  are  covered  when  young  with  a  white  down, 
which  disappears  as  they  grow  older.  In  many  instances  they 
are  furnished  with  a  pair  of  glands  at  base.  The  aments, 
which  are  two  or  three  inches  long,  appear  in  May.  Wood  mucli 
like  the  last. — Cambridge,  Milton. 

MOJYJiDELPHM. 

276.    JUNIPERUS-. 

JuNiPERus  ViRGiNiANA.  Red  Cedar. 

Leaves  ternate,  adnate  at  base ;  the  younger 
ones  imbricate,  the  older  ones  spreading. 

The  Red  Cedar  is  a  common  tenant  of  rocky  and  barren 
hills,  in  a  dry  and  gravelly  soil.  Its  foliage  is  hard,  firm,  and 
evergreen.  The  leaves  vary  in  length,  but  are  mostly  short, 
resembling  small,  acute  scales,  closely  sessile  at  base,  and  ly- 
ing over  each  other.  They  surround  the  stem  in  threes,  the 
younger  ones  frequently  opposite.  The  scales  of  the  ament 
give  rise  to  a  small  roundish  berry,  covered  when  ripe  with  a 
blue  powder.  The  wood  of  the  Red  Cedar  is  light  and  very 
durable.  It  constitutes  an  excellent  material  for  posts,  to 
which  use  it  is  commonly  appropriated  with  us.  The  leaves 
resemble  Savin  in  their  medicinal  properties,  and  are  particu- 
larly used  as  a  topical  stimulant. 


Class  XXin.     Order  I.  S4?3 


Class  XXIII.  POLYGAMIA.  Perfect  fiowers 
together  with  barren,  or  fertile ,  or  both,  on  the 
same  or  distinct  plants. 

Order  I.  MOJVCECM.       Barren,  fertile,  and 

perfect  flowers,  found  on  one  plant. 

S77»  Andropogon.  In  the  perfect  flowers  ca- 
lyx, glume  one  flowered ;  corolla,  glume  awned  at 
the  base  ;  stamens  three  ;  styles  three  ;  seed  one. 
In  the  barren  flowers,  calyx  awnless  ;  stamens 
three. 

278.  HoLcus.  Perfect  flowers,  calyx  glume 
one  or  two  flowered ;  corolla,  glume  awned  ;  sta- 
mens three  ;  styles  two ;  seed  one.  Barren  flow- 
ers, calyx  two  valved  ;  corolla  none ;  stamens 
three. 

279.  Atriplex.  Perfect  flowers,  calyx  five 
parted  ;  corolla  none  ;  stamens  five  ;  style  two 
parted  ;  seed  one  depressed.  Fertile  flowers,  ca- 
lyx two  leaved ;  corolla  none  ;  style  two  parted ; 
seed  one  compressed. 

280.  Veratrum.  Calyx  none  ;  corolla  six 
parted ;  stamens  six.  Perfect  flowers,  pistils  three ; 
capsules  three  ;  many  seeded.  Barren  flowers  con- 
taining the  rudiment  of  a  pistil. 

281.  Acer.  Calyx  five  cleft;  corolla  five  pe- 
talled  ;  stamens  eight ;  capsules  two  or  three,  one 
seeded,  terminated  by  a  wing.  Barren  flowers 
without  §erm  or  style. 


S44  Class  XXni,     Order  I. 

S8S.  Nyssa.  Perfect  flowers,  calyx  five  part- 
ed ;  corolla  none  ;  stamens  five ;  pistil  one  ;  drupe 
inferior.     Barren  flowers,  stamens  ten. 

S83.  Fraxinus.  Perfect  flowers,  calyx  none 
or  four  parted  ;  corolla  none  or  four  petalled  ;  sta- 
mens two  ;  pistils  one  ;  capsule  flattened  ;  seeds 
mostly  solitary,  pendulous.  Fertile  flowers,  pistil 
one,  lanceolate. 


Class  XXIII.     Order  I.  ^45 


POLYGAIVIIA. 

MOJYOECM. 

277.    ANDROPOGON. 
Andropogon  nutans.  L.  Beard  grass. 

Panicle    ngdcliiig,     awns    twisted^     polished  ; 
glumes  of  the  calyx  rough-haired. 

Syn.     Andropogon  AVENACEUS.  Mich. 

A  tall,  handsome  grass.  Culm  and  sheaths  smooth.  Leaves 
rough.  Panicle  very  long  and  slender,  somewhat  noddmg.  Pe- 
duncles smooth,  some  of  tlie  partial  ones  a  little  hairy.  Valves 
of  the  calyx  hairy  ;  those  of  the  corolla  mostly  smooth,  and  of  a 
bright  chesnut  colour.  The  fertile  flowers  have  a  long,  bright 
awn,  twisted  in  its  lower  half,  and  bent  at  an  angle  about  its 
middle. — Borders  of  woods. — September. — Perennial. 

278.     HOLCUS. 
HoLcus  oDORATus.  L.  Sencctt  grass. 

Griumes  three  flowered,  awnless,  pointed ;  the 
perfect  flower  with  two  stamens. 

An  erect,  early  grass,  with  a  small  panicle  of  short  flowers. 
Stem,  sheaths  and  leaves  glabrous  ;  the  leaves  of  the  stem  very 
short.  Panicle  erect,  with  a  few  horizontal  or  divaricated 
branches.  Calyx  of  two  smooth,  thin,  transparent,  swelling 
valves,  rounded  at  the  base,  and  acute  at  the  point.  Floret^ 
three  in  each  calyx,  the  two  lateral  ones  barren,  their  outer 
valve  ciliate  ;  the  middle  one  fertile,  and  furnished  with  only 
two  stamens.  Styles  two. — Meadows,  Cambridge,  Brighton. — 
May. — Perennial. 

Among  our  indigenous  grasses  this  is  one,  which  appear? 


34)6  Class  XXIII.     Order  I. 

particularly  entitled  to  the  attention  of  agriculturalists.  It  is  a 
'  thriving,  and  early  grass,  being  usually  in  flower  by  the  mid- 
dle of  May.  It  is  sweet  and  tender,  and  in  drying  exhales  a 
fragrant  odour,  not  inferior  to  that  of  the  sweet  scented  Vernal 
grass.  Its  native  place  of  growth  is  in  wet,  boggy  meadows, 
where  it  might  be  usefully  substituted  for  the  coarse  and  ordin- 
ary grasses  usually  obtained  from  those  soils. 

279.     ATRIPLEX. 
Atriplex  patula.  L,  Spreading  Orache. 

Stem  herbaceous,  spreading ;  leaves  deltoid- 
lanceolate,  somewhat  hastate  ;  calyx  of  the  seed 
somewhat  muricate  on  the  disc.  Sm. 

Stem  spreading,  very  much  branched.  Leaves  powdery 
underneath,  the  lower  ones  mostly  hastate,  the  upper  ones  lan- 
ceolate. Racemes  axillary  and  terminal.  The  seed  is  enclos- 
ed between  two  large,  triangular  valves,  furnished  on  their  back 
with  an  irregular  number  of  short,  conical  points. — Salt  marsh- 
es.— August. — Annual. 

280.    VERATRUM. 

Veratrum  viride.  Ait.  Poke  roof.    Swamp  Hellebore, 

Racemes  panicled  ;  bractes  of  the  branches  ob- 
long-lanceolate ;  peduncles  pubescent,  shorter  than 
the  partial  bractes. 

A  large,  green,  leafy  plant,  not  unfrequent  in  meadows  and 
fcwamps.  Stem  erect,  straight,  often  three  or  four  feet  high. 
Leaves  numerous,  large,  oval  or  lanceolate,  acuminate,  entire, 
plaited  and  finely  nerved,  sheathing  the  stem  with  their  base, 
flowers  in  a  large  panicle,  with  pubescent  branches,  each 
branch  and  flower  stalk  supported  by  a  narrow  bracte.  Corolla 
of  six  greenish,  oblong,  acute  petals,  thickened  on  each  side  at 
the  base.     Capsules  three. — June. — Perennial. 


Class  XXIII.     Order  I.  24?y 

The  root  of  this  plant,  when  taken  internally,  produces  vio- 
lent effects,  and  is  dangerous  in  considerable  quantities.  It  is 
chiefly  used  in  the  country  as  an  external  application  in  cutane- 
ous affections.  From  its  great  affinity  in  habit  to  the  Veratrum 
album,  an  European  species,  which  has  lately  acquired  consid- 
erables celebrity  as  a  remedy  in  gout ;  the  American  plant  is 
particularly  entitled  to  the  attention  of  phsiycians. 

281.     ACER. 

Acer  rubrum.  L.  Swamp  Maple.     Red  Maple, 

Leaves  palmate-five  lobed,  unequally  toothed, 
pubescent,  and  at  length  glaucous  underneath,  the 
sinuses  acute  ;  fertile  flowers  aggregate,  with  rath- 
er long  stalks.  Mich. 

This  maple  grows  plentifully  in  our  swamps  and  low  woods. 
The  flowers,  which  appear  early  in  May,  are  small,  numerous, 
of  a  deep  red,  and  collected  in  little  fascicles  or  sessile  umbels. 
The  fertile  ones  are  succeeded  by  a  red  fruit,  known  by  the 
name  of  maple  keys,  consisting  of  a  pair  of  small  capsules,  each 
terminated  by  a  long,  membranous  appendage,  resembling  the 
wing  of  an  insect.  .  The  leaves  are  opposite,  rounded,  or 
hearted  at  base,  and  divided  into  three  or  five  principal  lobes, 
separated  by  a  large,  acute  notch.  They  are  irregularly  tooth- 
ed, and  glaucous  underneath. 

The  wood  of  this  species  is  close  grained,  smooth,  and  hard. 
It  is  much  used  in  the  manufacture  of  tables,  chairs,  and  other 
kinds  of  furniture.  A  vai'iety  denominated  Curled  Maple,  oc- 
casioned by  the  serpentine  course  of  the  fibres  in  some  old 
trees,  has  a  beautiful,  shaded  appearance  in  cabinet  work,  and 
is  also  used  for  gun  stocks,  on  account  of  its  solidity  and  tough- 
ness. 

\cER  sAccHARiUM.  L.  Rocic  Maple.    Sugar  Maple. 

Leaves  five  parted-palmate,  glabrous,  entire  at 


SIS  Class  XXIII.     0)'der  I. 

the  margin,  glaucous  underneath ;  flowers  pedun- 
culated, pendent.  Mich.  f. 

The  Rock  Maple,  thoug-h  common  in  the  interior,  is  rarely 
met  with  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston.  Some  young  trees  occur  in 
the  woods  at  Roxbury.  The  flowers  of  this  species  are  yellow- 
ish, small,  and  supported  by  slender,  drooping  footstalks.  The 
fruit  is  larger  than  in  the  Red  Maple,  and  of  a  light  greenish  col- 
our. The  leaves  have  three  or  five  principal  lobes,  separated 
by  a  sinus  or  notch,  which  is  rounded,  not  angular,  at  bottom. 
They  are  pale,  and  sometimes  downy  on  the  under  side. 

The  wood  is  hard,  compact,  and  smooth.  It  is  much  used 
in  cabinet  work,  particularly  a  beautiful  variety  denominated 
Bird's  eye  Maple,  and  a  curled  variety  like  that  in  the  last  spe- 
cies. It  makes  good  fuel,  though  inferior  to  walnut  and  oak  ; 
and,  with  the  Betula  papyracea,  it  constitutes  a  greater  portion 
of  our  eastern  wood. 

But  the  peculiar  value  of  this  tree  consists  in  the  sugar, 
which  is  obtained  from  its  sap.  A  tree  of  the  ordinary  size  will 
yield  from  twenty  to  thirty  gallons  of  sap  in  a  season.  This 
sap  is  collected  by  boring  holes  in  the  trees,  and  affixing  to 
them  small  troughs,  which  convey  it  into  reservoirs  prepared 
for  its  reception.  It  is  then  put  into  large  kettles  and  boiled 
down,  until  it  is  sufficiently  inspissated  to  chrystallize  or  grain. 
It  thus  forms  the  raw  sugar,  which  may  be  purified  in  the  usu- 
al way. 

282.     NYSSA. 

Nyssa.  villosa.  Mich.  Tupelo  tree.     Swamp  Hornbeam. 

Leaves  oval,  entire,  the  petiole,  middle  nerve, 
and  margin  villous  ;  fertile  stalks  about  three  flow- 
ered ;  nut  short-obovate,  obtusely  striate.  Mich. 

This  tree  grows  in  swamps,  and  is  frequently  of  a  pyramid- 
al form,  with  horizontal  branches.  The  leaves  are  oval,  entire, 
acute,  tough  and  firm,  paler  on  the  under  side,  slightly  pubes- 


Class  XXUI.     Order  I.  S4^9 

cent  OR  the  margin  and  petiole,  two  or  three  inphes  in  length. 
The  flowers  are  small,  obscure,  of  a  green  colour,  collected  on 
the  end  of  a  long  peduncle.  Each  fertile  peduncle  produces 
two  or  three  small,  oblong  drupes,  of  a  deep  blue  colour,  each 
containing  an  exceedingly  hard,  striated  stone. 

The  wood  of  this  tree  is  white,  and  moderately  hard.  Its 
fibres  are  closely  interwoven,  so  as  to  render  it  extremely  tough 
and  difficult  to  split.  In  Massachusetts  it  is  generally  called 
Hornbeam,  a  name  properly  belonging  to  the  genus  Carpinus, 

283.    FRAXINUS. 

Fraxinus  Americana.  Jlich.f.  miite  Jlsh. 

Leafets  elliptic,  acuminate,  slightly  toothed;  pe= 
tioled,  glaucous  underneath. 

Syn.     Fraxinus  discolor.  Muhl. 

This  very  valuable  tree  grows  to  the  height  of  seventy  oi 
eighty  feet.  Its  branches  are  opposite,  and  covered  with  bark 
of  a  very  light  colour.  Leaves  pinnate,  consisting  of  about 
seven  oval,  acuminated  leafets,  whitish  underneath,  more  or  less 
toothed  on  their  margin.  The  flowers  grow  in  loose,  com- 
pound racemes,  and  are  succeeded  by  Avinged  capsules.  These 
are  cylindrical  at  base,  but  dilated  at  their  end  into  a  long,  flat 
appendage,  somewhat  lanceolate  in  form,  but  blunt  or  emargin- 
ate  at  the  end.  The  wood  of  the  common  Ash  is  exceedingly 
durable,  firm,  and  elastic,  with  a  tolerable  degree  of  lightness. 
It  is  the  principal  material  used  in  the  manufacture  of  carriage 
frames,  of  light  agriculture  implements,  of  oars,  blocks,  box- 
es, Sec. — May. 

33 


250  Class  XXIV.     Order  I, 


Class  XXIV.     CRYPTOGAMIA.      Fructifica. 
tion  anomalous  or  concealed. 

Order  I.    FILICES.    Ferns, 

584.  PoLYPoDiuM.  Fructification  in  roundish^ 
scattered  dots,  not  marginal ;  involucre  none, 

585.  AspiDiuM.  Fructification  in  roundish, 
scattered  dots  ;  involucre  umbilicate,  opening  near- 
ly all  round. 

286.  DiCKSONiA.  Fructification  in  roundish, 
distinct,  marginal  dots  ;  involucre  double,  one  su- 
perficial, opening  outward ;  the  other  from  the  in- 
flexed  margin  of  the  frond,  opening  inward. 

287.  AspLENiUM.  Fructification  in  scattered, 
straight  lines  ;  involucre  lateral,  opening  inward. 

288.  Adiantum.  Fructification  in  distant  dots 
or  lines  upon  the  margin  of  the  frond  ;  involucres 
membranaceous,  from  the  inflexed  margin  of  the 
frond,  opening  inward. 

289.  Pteris.  Fructification  in  a  continued, 
marginal  line  ;  involucre  from  the  inflexed  margin 
of  the  frond,  opening  inward. 

290.  Onoclea.  Fructification  crowded,  occu- 
pying the  whole  back  of  a  separate  frond ;  involu- 
cres from  the  margin  of  the  frond,  opening  inw  ard. 

291.  Osmund  A.  Fructification  crowded,  some- 
what globular,  pedicelled,  disposed  on  the  back  of 
the  frond,  or  in  separate  racemes. 


Class  XXIV.     Order  I.  251 

S93.  LycopodIum.  Capsules  sessile,  solitary, 
axillary,  reniform,  two  valved,  opening  elastically, 

393.  Equisetum.  Anient  composed  of  pel- 
tate scales,  flowering  on  the  inside ;  seeds  numer- 
ous; enfolded  by  four  polleu-bearing  filaments. 


M2  aiasB  XXIV.     Ofder  L 


ORYPTOGAMIA. 

FILICES. 

284.    POLYPODIUM. 
PoLYroDiCM  vuLGARE.  L.  Common  Polypody, 

Frond  pinnatifid ;  segments  linear-oblong,  ob- 
tuse, slightly  serrate. 

A  handsome  fern,  not  uncommon  on  the  sides  of  rocks  and 
steep  shady  hills,  forming  beds  by  means  of  its  creeping  roots. 
The  stalk  or  stipe  is  perfectly  smooth,  grooved  on  the  uppei^ 
side.  Fronds  about  half  a  foot  long,  divided  in  a  pinnate  man- 
ner almost  to  the  stalk  or  midrib,  by  sinuses  which  are  more 
acute  than  in  the  European  variety.  Segments  of  the  frond  ob- 
long, parallel,  rounded  at  the  end,  very  slightly  serrate,  furnish- 
ed on  the  back  with  a  double  row  of  large,  round,  ycllowish,^ 
granular,  naked  dots  of  fructification. — Perennial. 

285.     ASPIDIUM. 

AspiDiuM  AcROSTioHOiDEs.  Muhl,        Terminal  Shield  fern. 

Stipe  chaffy ;  frond  long,  pinnate,  its  divisions 
alternate,  subsessile,  auriculated  on  one  side  at 
base,  sliglitly  serrate,  ciliate ;  only  the  upper  ones 
fruitful.  Mich,  sub  syn. 

Sy7i.     JVephrodium  Acros'Tichoides.  Mich. 

Remarkable  for  the  difference  between  its  lower  and  uppeF 
leaves.  The  stipe  is  covered  with  loose,  membranous,  chaffy 
scales.  The  leaves  or  pinnae  are  numerous,  oblong,  somewhat 
acute,  edged  with  small,  mucronate  serrattires,  furnished  with 
an  angular  lobe  on  their  upper  side  at  base.     The  lower  leaves 


Class  XXIV.     Order  I.  ^53 

are  without  fruit ;  the  upper  ones  much  smaller,  covered  with 
dots  of  fructification,  whioh  unite,  so  as  to  overrun  the  Avhole 
under  surface. — Rocks  and  hills. — Roxbury. — Perennial. 

AspiDiUM  Thelypteris.  Sm.  Meadow  Shield  ferv. 

Frond  pinnate,  its  divisions  pinnatifid,  subcre- 
nate,  distinct  at  base,  decussating  ;  dots  of  fructifi- 
cation confluent.  Sm, 

Common  in  low,  moist  grounds,  about  the  edges  of  meadovi's 
and  swamps.  Stipe  glabrous.  Divisions  of  the  frond  long  and 
slender,  the  lower  pairs  frequently  decussating,  or  crossing  each 
other  ;  a  circumstance  which  Dr.  Smith  has  noticed  in  his  spe- 
cific character.  They  are  pinnatifid,  or  deeply  cut  into  oblong, 
roundish  segments,  which  are  slightly  crenate  at  the  edge,  and 
revolute  when  in  fruit.  The  first  segments  of  each  division  are 
at  a  little  distance  from  the  stipe,  and  seem  to  form  a  parallel 
line  on  each  side  of  it,  running  through  the  whole  length  of  the 
frond,  a  character  well  represented  in  the  figure  of  Plukenet. 
The  fruit  commences  in  small  dots,  and  finally  overruns  the 
whole  under  surfa^^e  of  the  frond.^ — Perennial. 

AspiDiuM  MARGiNALE.  Sw.  Marginal  Shield  fern. 

Frond  pinnate,  its  divisions  subpinnate,  glab- 
rous, with  oblong,  entire  lobes,  sinuate-repand  at 
the  base  ;  dots  marginal. 

Syn.      POLTPODIUM  marcinale.   L. 

JVePHRODIUM  MARGINALE.    Mich. 

A  larger  fern  than  either  of  the  preceding.  Stipe  chaffy. 
Divisions  of  the  frond  nearly  pinnate.  Subdivisions  or  seg- 
ments distinct,  oblong,  obtuse,  crenate,  contracted  at  base,  af- 
terward decurrent,  so  that  their  common  stalk  becomes  slight- 
ly winged,  or  the  division  pinnatifid.  Dots  of  fructification  dis- 
tinct, round,  close  to  th0  margin.  Their  umbiiicated  involucre 
is  very  obvious. — Woods. — Roxbury. — Perennial. 


%51<  Class  XXIV.     Order  I. 

AspiDiuM  AsPLENioiDEs.  Muhl.  Dark  Shield  fernl 

Stipe  glabrous  ;  frond  twice  pinnate ;  segments 
oblong,  cut- toothed  5  dots  reniform,  arranged  near 
the  nerve. 

This  is  a  large,  smooth,  brittle  fern.  Divisioiis  of  the  frond 
pijnnate  ;  the  segments  oblong,  acute,  with  distinct  teeth,  separ- 
ated by  deep  indentations.  The  teeth  are  again  denticulate^ 
and  the  lower  ones  somewhat  obtuse.  Fructification  Avith  re- 
niform  or  lunulate  involucres,  at  first  resembling  lines,  as  in 
Asplenium,  afterwards  extending  over  the  whole  under  surface 
of  the  frond,  giving  it  a  brownish  appearance. — Moist  woods. 

286.  DICKSONIA. 

DicKsoNiA  piLosiuscuLA.  WUld.       Stifudl  fruUed  Dicksonia. 

Frond  twice  pinnate  ;  divisions  pinnatifid ;  seg- 
ments toothed  ;  stipe  somewhat  hairy. 

Syn.     AfEPHiiODiUM  puncTilobulum.  Mich, 

A  pretty  large,  thin,  and  very  delicate  fern.  The  common 
stalk  is  smooth,  Avith  the  exception  of  a  few  fine,  short  hairs, 
which  also  invest  its  divisions.  The  divisions  of  the  frond  are 
pinnate  or  pinnatifid,  the  segments  decurrent,  oval-oblong, 
deeply  cut  or  pinnatifid,  the  partial  segments  again  toothed  up-* 
on  their  edge.  Dots  of  fructification  minute,  near  the  margin. 
■ — Road  sides  and  pastures. — Perennial. 

287.  ASPLENIUM. 

Asplenium  melanocaulojt.  Miihl.  Dwarf  Spleemvort. 

Frond  pinnate ;  divisions  roundish,  crenate, 
wedge  shaped  at  base. 

iS'7/77.     .Asplenium  fRicHOMANES.  Mich. 

An  extremely    small  and  delicate  fern.      Frond  pinnate. 


Class  XXIV.      Order  I.  253 

Stipe  smooth,  of  a  shining  black  colour.  Divisions  or  leafets 
sessile,  nearly  round,  crenate  upon  their  outer  edge,  entiie  and 
acute  at  base.  Fructification  in  about  five  or  six  linear,  di- 
verging dots,  which  become  roundish  when  old. — Found  among 
high,  shady  rocks  in  Roxbury, — Perennial. 

AsPLENii-'M  EBENEUM.  Alt.  MboTiy  Spleeiuvort. 

Frond  pinnate ;  divisions  lanceolate,  somewhat 
falcate,  serrate,  auricled  at  base;  stem  quite  smooth. 

SlJ71.       ASPLENIUM   T'RICHQMASOIDES.    Mich. 

Considerably  larger  than  the  last.  Stipe  slender,  of  a 
smooth,  polished,  jet  black.  Divisions  or  leafets  sessile,  ob- 
long, tapering  to  a  point,  sometimes  a  little  curved,  somewhat 
serrate,  furnished  with  an  acute  lobe  on  each  side  at  base,  which 
gives  them  a  sort  of  hastate  form.  Fructification  in  short,  di- 
verging lines,  arranged  in  a  double  row  on  the  back  of  the  di^ 
visions. — Dry  woods  and  hills. — Perennial. 

AspLENiuM  THELYPTERoiDEs.    Mlcli.        SUvery  SplecnwoH. 

Frond  pinnate  ;  divisions  pinnatifid  ;  segments 
oval,  round-obtuse,  slightly  denticulate  ;  fructifi- 
cation in  short,  equal,  oblique,  parallel  lines.  Mich. 
abr. 

This  most  beautiful  fern  grows  to  a  pretty  large  size.  Stipe 
smooth,  pale.  The  divisions  of  the  frond  are  long  and  pinnati- 
fid. Segments  oblong,  close,  even,  parallel,  rounded  at  the  end 
and  nearly  entire.  Fructification  in  tv.'o  rows  of  short,  oblique, 
close,  parallel  lines,  the  opposite  pairs  forming  nearly  a  right 
angle.  The  involucres,  when  young,  have  a  bright,  silvery  ap- 
pearance,— Found  by  a  brook  in  Roxbury. — ■Perennial. 


S56  Class  XXIV.     Order  1. 

288.    ADIANTUM. 
Adiantum  pbdatum.  L.  Maidenhair.    Mowhair. 

Frond  pedate ;  divisions  pinnate ;  segments 
rhomboid-oblong,  somewhat  lunate,  cut-lobed. 

Few  vegetables  possess  a  greater  delicacy  of  structure  than 
is  exhibited  by  the  glossy  stems,  and  fine,  regular  leaves  of  the 
Maidenhair,  The  stipe,  which  is  of  a  shining,  jet  black,  di- 
vides by  a  large  fork  into  two  principal  branches,  each  of  which 
gives  off  several  successive  branches  from  its  upper  side  ;  so 
that  the  whole  frond  has  the  appearance  of  a  pedate  leaf  with- 
out its  middle  division.  The  segments  or  leafets  are  alternate, 
oblong,  entire  on  the  lower  edge,  cut  and  toothed  on  the  upper. 
The  fruit  grows  in  semicircular  points  at  the  margin  of  the  leaf, 
covered  by  the  folding  back  of  its  edge. — Found  in  moist,  rocky 
woods. — Perennial. 

289.    PTERIS. 

Pteris  AquiLiNA.  L.  Common  Brake, 

Frond  more  than  decompound  ;  divisions  pin- 
nate ;  segments  oblong-lanceolate,  the  lower  ones 
pinnatifid,  upper  ones  entire  and  smaller. 

Veiy  common  in  woods,  and  about  the  borders  of  fields  and 
pastures.  Stipe  erect,  smooth,  dividing  by  large,  opposite 
branches,  which  are  again  subdivided.  Segments  or  leafets 
sessile,  oblong,  tapering  to  an  obtuse  point,  the  lower  ones  larg- 
est, their  edge  divided  into  large,  obtuse  teeth,  by  a  sort  of  ser- 
pentine line  ;  upper  ones  entire,  obtuse.  The  fructification 
grows  in  a  continued,  narrow  line  at  the  edges  of  the  frond,  and 
is  covered  by  its  reflexed  margin. — Perennial. 


Class  XXIV.     Order  I.  257 

290.     ONOCLEA. 

Onoclea  sensibilis.  L.  Sensitive  fern. 

Barren  fronds  pinnate  ;  segments  cut,  the  upper 
ones  united ;  fertile  fronds  doubly  pinnate,  with  re- 
curved, globular  subdivisions. 

A  great  diflFerence,  in  appearance,  exists  between  the  bar- 
ren, and  fertile  fronds  of  this  plant.  The  barren  frond  is  com- 
posed of  large,  broad,  oblong,  sinuated  leaves  or  divisions,  the 
lower  ones  distinct,  the  upper  ones  connected  by  their  base* 
The  fertile  frond  is  much  narrower,  its  divisions  short,  its  seg- 
ments nearly  globular,  enclosing  the  fruit;  and  foi'ming  a  soi't  of 
raceme.— Low  grounds. — Perennial. 

291.    OSMUND  A. 

OsMUNDA  ciNNAMOMEA.  L.  Tall  Osmundu, 

Barren  fronds  pinnate;  divisions  elongated, 
pinnatifid  ;  segments  nearly  oval  and  entire ;  fertile 
fronds  with  opposite  racemes.  Mich. 

This  noble  fern  grows  in  large  bunches  in  damp  woods  and 
low  grounds,  sometimes  attaining  to  the  length  of  a  man.  The 
greatest  part  of  the  plant  is  composed  by  the  barren  fronds, 
which  are  pinnate,  their  divisions  cut  into  oblong,  tapering, 
rounded,  and  somewhat  acute  segments.  The  fruit  grows  on 
a  small,  separate  frond,  resembling  a  cluster  of  minute,  brown- 
ish seeds.  Its  stipe  is  invested  with  loose,  reddish  wool,  its 
divisions  opposite,  and  completely  covered  with  small,  two- 
valved,  globular  capsules.— Perennial. 

OsMUKDA  INTERRUPT  A.  Mick,  Interrupted  f em. 

Fronds  pinnate ;  divisions  opposite,  pinnatifid  ; 
segments  nearly  oval  and  entire ;  some  of  the  inter- 
mediate divisions  fruitful,  Mich.  abr. 
33 


^58  ,  Class  XXIV.     Order  L 

A  pretty  large,  smooth  fern,  in  habit  resembling  the  last. 
The  divisions  of  the  frond  are  principally  opposite,  or  nearly  so, 
and  subdivided  into  segments,  much  like  the  last  species.  Only 
a  few  pairs  of  the  divisions,  occupying  a  central  part  of  the 
frond,  become  fruitful.  These  are  much  shorter  than  the  rest 
when  full  grown,  they  resemble  compound,  pyramidal  racemes, 
and  are  covered  on  all  sides  with  minute,  brownish  capsules. — 
Lo\7  grounds. — Perennial. 

OsMUNDA  REOALis.  L.  Osmutid  royaU    Flowering  fern^ 

Frond  twice  pinnate,  terminating  in  a  compound 
cluster  of  fructification. 

A  handsome,  branching  fern,  found  in  meadows  and  moist 
grounds.  Stipe  smooth.  Divisions  pinnate.  Leafets  or  seg- 
ments perfectly,  distinct  and  remote,  oblong,  very  slightly  ser- 
rated, the  lower  half  of  base  longest.  Capsules  small,  globular, 
two-valved,  like  the  preceding  species,  arranged  in  a  large, 
compound  raceme  at  the  top  of  the  stipe. — Perennial. 

292.    LYCOPODIUM. 
Lycopodium  complanatum.  L.  Flat  club  mosSt 

Leaves  two  rowed,  united,  superficial  ones  sol- 
itary ;  spikes  in  pairs,  pedunculated, 

A  common,  trailing  evergreen.  The  stems,  which  creep 
on  the  ground  for  a  considerable  distance,  are  furnished  with 
distinct,  somewhat  remote  scales  or  leaves.  Branches  spread- 
ing, subdivided  by  regular  forks,  flattened,  two  edged.  Leaves 
very  short  and  acute.  Peduncles  elongated,  forked  at  top,  and 
usually  supporting  four  erect,  cylindrical  spikes.  Bractes 
closely  imbricated,  heart-shaped,  acuminate. — Woods  and  pas- 
tures.— Perennial. 

Lycopodium  obscurum.  L.  lladiated  club  moss. 

Leaves  scattered,   six  rowed  ;    shoots  erect : 


Class  XXlV.     Order  I.  S59 

branches  radiately  forked ;  spikes  nearly  sessile, 
cylindrical. 

The  shoots  of  this  species  are  erect,  ascending  at  base,  cov- 
ered with  small,  imbricated,  lanceolate  leaves.  Branches  al- 
ternate, dividing  by  successive  forks,  the  branchlets  diverging 
like  rays  from  a  centre.  Leaves  in  six  rows,  those  of  the  later- 
al rows  longest.  Spikes  terminal,  solitary,  sessile,  cylindrical. 
Like  others  of  the  genus,  they  give  out,  when  ripe,  a  great 
quantity  of  minute  seeds,  resembling  a  fine,  yellow  powder,  and 
very  inflammable. — Woods. — Perennial. 

294.    EQUISETUM. 

Equisetum  hyemale.  L.  Rough  Horsetail.     Scouring 

Rush. 

Stem  naked,  very  rough,  mostly  branched  at 
base ;  sheaths  whitish,  black  at  the  base  and  sum- 
mit. 

Found  in  moist  woods  at  Lynn,  and  elsewhere.  Stems 
erect,  without  branches,  except  at  base,  hollow,  naked,  furrow- 
ed, the  ridges  rough  with  minute  teeth,  which  are  hardly  visi- 
ble without  a  glass.  The  joints  of  the  stem  are  surrounded 
with  short  sheaths,  coloured  with  black  and  wliite  rings,  and 
toothed  at  the  top.  The  fruit  grows  in  an  ovate,  terminal 
ament,  composed  of  peltate,  six  sided  scales,  bearing  the  seeds 
inside. 

The  whole  surface  of  the  stem  is  rough,  like  a  file,  and  is 
used  in  scouring  and  polishing  metallic  vessels.  Its  cuticle, 
according  to  Mr.  Davy,  contains  a  considerable  portion  of  sili- 
ceous earth.— Perennial. 

BquisETUM  ARVENSE.  L.  Field  HorsetuiL 

Fertile  scape  naked ;  barren  frond  with  whorl- 
ed  branches,  decumbent.  L. 


200  Class  XXIV.     Order  I. 

The  fruitful  stems  of  this  plant  appear  in  April,  gind  soon 
decay.  They  are  erect,  smooth,  furrowed,  and  without  branch- 
es, their  joints  surrounded  with  large,  swelling  sheaths,  which 
end  in  long,  blackish  teeth.  Spike  terminal,  oblong-ovate,  with 
a  membranous  border  below  it.  The  barren  stems  are  taller  and 
more  durable  ;  they  are  erect,  or  ascending  at  base,  roughish, 
their  joints  furnished  with  sheaths  and  large  whorls  of  simple, 
ascending  branches.  These  branches  are  three  or  four  cor- 
nered, with  sheaths  at  their  joints,  ending  in  the  same  number 
of  teeth. — Moist  ground,  South  Boston  — Perennial. 

Bquisetum  sylvaticum.  L.  Wood  Horsetail. 

Branches  compound^  curving  downward,  rough. 

The  fertile  stems  are  erect,  round,  furrowed,  jointed.  Joints 
invested  with  large,  loose  sheaths,  which  divide  into  a  number 
of  broad  teeth  at  top.  Branches  very  slender,  in  a  whorl  pro- 
ceeding ffopi  the  upper  joint,  in^mediately  below  the  sheath, 
divaricated  and  curving  downward.  The  second  joint  from  the 
top  is  furnished  with  a  whorl  of  shorter  branches,  and  some- 
times also  the  third.  Ament  ovate,  terminal,  composed  like 
the  rest,  of  peltate,  hexagonal  scales*  The  barren  stems  are 
smaller  and  higher,  their  joints  all  furnished  with  whorls  of 
branches,  which  are  much  longer,  and  considerably  subdivided- 
*— Low  grounds,  Roxbury,  Cambridge. — Perennial. 


INDEX  OF  THE  GENERA, 


WITH  ACCENTS. 

A. 

pag. 

pag- 

Acalypha 

236 

A'ster 

197 

A'cer 

247 

A'triplex 

246 

Achillea 

?03 

Azalea 

52 

A'corus 

83 

Actaea 

129 

B. 

Adiantum 

256 

Berberis 

78 

Agrimonia 

114 

Betula 

231 

Agrostis 

21 

Bidens 

188 

Alisma 

87 

Brachystemum 

146 

A'lnus 

220 

Briza 

25 

Alopecurus 

20 

Bromus 

26 

Althaea 

163 

Biinias 

157 

Amaranthus 

222 

Ambrosia 

221 

C. 

Anagallis 

48 

Calla 

224 

Andromeda 

102 

Callitriche 

2 

Andropogon 

245 

Caltha 

134 

Anemone* 

135 

Campanula 

54 

Angelica 

68 

Cardamine 

158 

Anthemis 

202 

Carex 

216 

Anthoxanthum 

8 

Cassia 

104 

Antirrhinum 

151 

Castanea 

224 

Apargia 

183 

Ceanothus 

57 

Apocynum 

61 

Celastrus 

57 

Aquilegia 

133 

Centaurella 

34 

Aralia 

74 

Cephalanthus 

33 

A'rbutus 

101 

Cerastium 

111 

A'rctium 

185 

Chelidonium 

129 

Arenaria 

108 

Chelone 

153 

Arethusa 

208 

Chenopodium 

65 

A'rum 

223 

Chrysanthemum 

193 

Arundo 

26 

Cichorium 

182 

Asclepias 

62 

Cicuta 

70 

Aspidium 

252 

Circaea 

8 

Asplenium 

254 

Cistus 

130 

A\)if4.6fv>;.    The  usual  English  pronunciation  is  Anemone. 


262 

INDEX  I. 

Clematis 

133 

Fragaria 

123 

Clethra 

105 

Fraxinus 

249 

Cnicus             , 

186 

Collinsonia 

7 

G. 

Comarum 

123 

Galium 

36 

Comptonia 

219 

Gaultheria 

101 

Conium 

68 

Genista 

167 

Convallaria 

80 

Gcntiana 

64 

Convolvulus 

50 

Geranium 

161 

Conyza 

19] 

Gerardia 

152 

Coreopsis 

204 

Geum 

125 

Cornus 

37 

Glechoma 

144 

Corylus 

236 

Glycine 

173 

Crataegus 

118 

Gnaphalium 

191 

Cucubalus 

110 

Gratiola 

6 

Cunila 

7 

Cupressus 

236 

H. 

Cuscuta 

64 

Hamamelis 

40 

Cymbidium 

208 

Hedysarum 

169 

Cynoglossum 

47 

Helianthus 

203 

Cyperus 

14 

Helleborus 

134 

Cypripedium 

209 

Heracleum 

67 

Hibiscus 

164 

D. 

Hieracium 

184 

I>actylis 

23 

Holcus 

245 

Datura 

51 

Hordeum 

28 

Dianthus 

108 

Houstonia 

'      35 

Dicksonia 

254 

Hydrocotyle 

67 

Diervilla 

56 

Hydropeltis 

135 

Drosera 

75 

Hyoscyamus 

52 

Hypericum 

176 

E. 

Hypoxis     , 

80 

E'chium 

47 

E'lymus 

28 

L 

Epigaea 

101 

Flex 

41 

Epilobium 

90 

Impatiens 

58 

Equisetum 

259 

I'ris 

12 

Erigeron 

193 

Isnardia 

40 

Eriocaulon 

215 

Fva 

204 

Erysimum 

158 

Erythronium 

82 

J. 

Eupatorium 

189 

Juglans 

228 

Euphorbia 

115 

Juncus 

83 

F. 

Juniperus 

242 

Fagus 

224 

K. 

( 

Festuca 

25 

Kalmia 

103 

INDEX  I. 

263 

L. 

Onopordon 

187 

Lactuca 

184 

O'rchis 

206 

Lathyrus 

167 

Osmunda 

257 

Laurus 

97 

O'strya 

232 

Lechea 

29 

O'xalis 

162 

Leersia 

22 

Lemna 

215 

P. 

Leontodon 

183 

Panicum 

18 

Lconurus 

145 

Pedicularis 

151 

Lepidium 

156 

Penthorum 

111 

Ligustrum 

5 

Phleum 

21 

Lilium 

82 

Phytolacca 

112 

Lobelia 

55 

Pinus 

233 

Lolium 

27 

Plantago 

33 

Lupinus 

167 

Platanus 

233 

Lycopodium 

258 

Poa 

24 

Lycopus 

6 

Podalyria 

104 

Lysimachia 

48 

Podophyllum 

132 

Lythrum 

114 

Polygala 

166 

Polygonum 

93 

M. 

Polypodiura 

252 

Magnolia 

139 

Pontederia 

79 

Malva 

163 

Populus 

241 

Medeola 

85 

Portulaca 

114 

Medicago 

174 

Potamogeton 

41 

Melampyrum 

150 

Potentilla 

124 

Mentha 

144 

Pothos 

39 

Menyanthes 

50 

Prenanthes 

183 

Mikania 

188 

Prinus 

79 

Mimulus 

153 

Proserpmaca 

30 

Mitchella 

34 

Prunella 

149 

Mollugo 

29 

Prunus 

118 

Monarda 

7 

Pteris 

256 

Monotropa 

I'D  6 

Pycnanthemum 

147 

Myosotis 

47 

Pyrola 

105 

Myrica 

239 

Pyrus 

lh9 

Myriophyllum 

222 

Q. 

Quercus 

225 

N. 

Neottia 

2.07 

R. 

Nepeta 

146 

Ranunculus 

136 

Nymphaea 

132 

Raphanus 

157 

Nyssa 

248 

Rhexia 

91 

Rhododendron 

102 

O. 

Rhodora 

104 

CEnothera 

90 

Rhus 

71 

Onoclea 

257 

R6st»> 

121 

264 

Rubus 
Rumex 


Sagittaria 

Salicomia 

Salix 

Salsola 

Sambucus 

Sanguinaria 

Sanicula 

Sarothra 

Sarracenia 

Saxifraga 

Schoenus 

Scirpus 

Scleranthus 

Scrophularia 

Scutellaria 

Senecio 

Silene 

Sinapi 

Sison 

Sisymbrium 

Sisyrinchium 

Slum 

Smilax 

Solanum 

Solidago 

Sonchus 

Sorb  us 

Sparganium 

Spartina 

Spergula 

Spiraea 

Stachys 

Staticc 


IMDEX  I. 

121 

Stellaria 

86 

Teucrium 

Thesiura 

222 

Thlaspi 

2 

Tilia 

239 

Trichodium 

65 

Trichostema 

71 

Trientalis 

131 

Trifolium 

67 

Triglochin 

73 

Trillium 

130 

Triosttum 

107 

Triticum 

13 

Typha 

14 

107 

1 

150 

U'lmus 

148 

Uniola 

196 

U'rtica 

110 

Utricularia 

159 

Uvularia 

69 

158 

161 

Vaccinium 

69 

Veratrum 

240 

Verbascum 

53 

Verbena 

194 

Vernonia 

185 

Veronica 

119 

Viburnum 

218 

Viola 

16 

Vitis 

111 

120 

] 

146 

Xanthium 

75 

Xyris 

u. 


X. 


109 

145 
61 

156 
131 

22 

149 

88 

168 

85 

85 

56 

27 

219 


66 

23 

220 

6 

81 


92 

246 

52 

148 

187 

5 

70 

59 

58 


221 
IS 


ERRATA. 

Page  9,  line  18,  for  "  wooly,"  read  woolly. 

—  12,  —  17,  for  "  bisulcis,"  read  bis  sulcatis. 

—  52,  —  22,  for  "  decumbent,"  read  decurrent. 

—  179,  —  3  from  bottom,  for  "  graphalium,"  read  gnaphalium 


ENGLISH  INDEX. 


Agrimony 

114 

Buck  bean 

SO 

Alder 

220 

Bugloss 

47 

Amaranth 

222 

Bulrush 

15,83 

Angelica 

68 

Burdock 

185 

Apple  Peru 

51 

Burr  marygold 

188 

Arrow  grass 

85 

Burr  reed 

218 

Arrow  head 

222 

Butter  cups 

138 

Arrow  wood 

70 

Butterfly  weed 

63 

Ash 

249 

Butternut 

230 

Aspen 

241 

Button  bush 

33 

Avens 

125 

Button  wood 

533 

Baneberries 

129 

Campion 

110 

Bai-berry 

78 

Cardinal  flower 

55 

Basil 

147 

Carpet  weed 

29 

Bass  wood 

131 

Catchfly 

110 

Bayberry 

240 

Catmint 

146 

Beard  grass 

245 

Catnep 

146 

Bearberry 

101 

Cat's  tail  grass 

21 

Beaver  tree 

139 

Cedar  red 

242 

Bedstraw 

36 

Cedar  white 

236 

Beech 

224 

Celandine 

129 

Bellflower 

54 

Chequer  berry 

34 

Bellwort 

81 

Cherrytree 

118 

Bent  grass 

21 

Chesnut 

224 

Bethlehem  star 

8 

Chickweed 

109 

Bilberry 

92 

Chickweed  winter- 

Bindweed 

50 

green 

88 

Birch 

231 

Chokeberry 

119 

Birdsnest 

106 

Cinquefoil 

124 

Bitter  sweet 

53 

Cleavers 

31 

Black  alder 

79 

Clivers 

36 

Blackberry 

122 

Clover 

169 

Bladderwort 

6 

Club  moss 

258 

Bloodroot 

131 

Club  rush 

14 

Blue  eyed  grass 

161 

Cocum 

112 

Blue  grass 

24 

Columbine 

133 

Bog  rush 

12 

Cornel 

37 

Brake 

251 

Cotton  grass 

16 

Brome  grass 

26 

Couch  grass 

27 

266 

Cow  parsnep 

Cowslip 

Cow  wheat 

Cranberry 

Cranesbill 

Creeper 

Crowfoot 

Cucumber  root 

Cud  weed 

Cut  grass 

Dandelion 

Darnel 
Dewberry 

Ditch  grass 

Dock 

Dodder 

Dog's  bane 

Dog's  tooth  violet 

Dogwood 

Dragon  root 

Duck  meat 

Dutch  myrtle 

Dyer's  weed 

Elder 

Elm  tree 

Enchanter's  night '. 

pQscue  grass 

Fever  bush 

Feverwort 

Figwort 

Fire  weed 

Flag 

Flag  blue 

Flag  sweet 

Flea  bane 

Flower  de  luce 

Flowering  fern 

Fox-tair  grass 

Gentian 

Gemnium 

Germander 

Gill 

Glasswort 

Goldenrod 

Goldthread 

Goosefoot 

Grape 


INDEX  II. 

97 

GRASS. 

134 

Arrow      grass 

85 

150 

Beard       — — 

245 

92 

Bent         

21 

161 

BMe        

24 

58 

Blue  eyed  

161 

137 

Brome     — -— 

2'6 

85 

Cats  tail  

21 

\9% 

Cotton      . 

16 

22 

Couch      

27 

183 

Cut          — ^ 

22 

27 

Darnel         ■    ■ 

27 

122 

Ditch       . 

17 

17 

Fescue     — — 

25 

86 

Foxtail     » 

20 

64 

Herds      — — « 

21 

61 

Knot        -. 

93 

82 

Lyme       

28 

38,  72 

Orchard  — — • 

23 

223 

Panic       — — 

18 

215 

Rattlesnake  — — 

25 

239 

Ray             

27 

167 

Red  top    ■ 

21 

71 

Reed        

26 

66 

Rough     — — 

16 

de      8 

Spear       ■    '    ■ 

24 

25 

Spike       I 

23 

97 

Sedge      

216 

56 

Scratch    — ■    . 

94 

150 

Seneca     ~— 

^  245 

184 

Squirrel  tail 

28 

219 

Timothy  — — 

21 

12 

Yellow  eyed  — — 

13 

83 

Grass  poly 

114 

193 

Green  briar 

240 

!2 

Ground  ivy 

144 

258 

Ground  laurel 

101 

20 

Groundnut 

173 

64 

Groundsel 

196 

161 

Hacmatack 

235 

145 

Hardback 

120 

144 

Hawkweed 

182,  184 

2 

Hazelnut 

232 

194 

Hedge  hyssop 

6 

154 

Hedge  mustard 

158 

65 

Hedge  nettle 

146 

58 

Hemlock 

69 

Hemlock  spruce 

235 

IKDEX  II. 


267 


Henbane 

Herb  Robert 

Herd's  grass 

Hickory 

Highwater  shrub 

Hogweed 

Hone  wort 

Honeysuckle 

Horehound  water 

Hornbeam 

Horsetail 

Horseweed 

Indian  tobacco 

Indigo  wild 

Ivy 

June  berry 

Knot  grass 

Knawel 

Ladies'  slipper 

Ladies'  traces 

Larch 

Laurel 

Lettuce 

Life  everlasting 

Lily 

Lime  tree 

Loose  strife 

Louse  wort 

Lupine 

Lyme  grass 

Maiden  hair 

Mallow 

Maple  tree 

Marsh  marygold 

Marsh  mallow 

Marsh  rosemary 

May  apple 

Meadow  sweet 

Melilot 

Milk  weed 

Mint 

Monkey  flower 

Mother  wort 

Mountain  ash 

Mullein 

Mustard 

Nettle 

New-Jersey  tea 


52  Nightshade  enchanter's 

162  Nightshade  black 

2 1  Nightshade  woody 

228  None  such 

204  Oak 

65  Orache 

69  Orchard  grass 

52,  169  Panic  grass 

6  Partridge  berry 
232,  2'48  Pea  vine 

259  Penny  wort 

7  Pennyroyal 
55  Petty  morel 

104  Pickerel  weed 

73  Pigeon's  foot 

120  Pimpeniel 

93  Pine 

107  Pine  weed 

209  Pin  weed 

207  Pink 
235  Pipe  wort 

102  Plane  tree 

184  Plantain 

192  Pleurisy  root 

82,  132  Poke  root 

131  Poke  weed 
48  Polypody 

1 S 1  Pond  weed 

167  Poplar 

28  Prihi 
256         Privet 
1 63         Puccoon 
247         Purslane 
1 34         Radish 
163         Raspberry 

75         Rattlesnake  grass 

1 32  Rattlesnake  plantain 
120         Ray  grass 

169         Redtop 
62         Reed  grass 

144  Reed  mace 
153         Rib  wort 

145  Rich  weed       "^ 
119         River  bush 

52         Roman  wormwood 
159         Rose 
220         Rose  bay 

57        Rough  grass 


8 

53 

53 

174 

225 

246 

24 

18 

101 

173 

67 

7 
74 
79 

2 

48 

233 

78 

29 
108 
251 
233 

33 

63 
246 
112 
252 

41 
Ul 
5 
6 
131 
114 
157 
I2'I 

25 
207 

27 

21 

26 
219 

34 
228 

33 
221 
121 
102 

16 


268 

INDEX  II. 

Rush 

83 

Sundew 

75 

Salt  wort 

65 

Sunflower 

203 

Samphire 

2 

Swamp  pink 

52 

Sandwort 

108 

Sweet  fei^n 

219 

Sanicle 

67 

Sweet  flag 

83 

Sarsaparilla 

74 

Sweet  gale 

239 

Sassafras 

97 

Thin  grass 

22 

Saxifrage 

107 

Thistle 

186 

Scabish 

91 

Thorn  apple 

51 

Scorpion  grass 

47 

Thorn  bush 

118 

Scouring  rush 

259 

Thoroughwort 

190 

Scratch  grass 

94 

Touch  me  not 

50 

Scullcap 

148 

Tickseed  sunflower 

204 

Sea  burdock 

221 

Toad  flax 

151 

Sea  rocket 

157 

Tree  primrose 

90 

Sedge 

216 

Trefoil 

168 

Self  heal 

148 

Trumpet  weed 

190 

Seneca  grass 

245 

Tupelo  tree 

248 

Sensitive  fern 

257 

Vernal  grass 

8 

Shagbark 

229 

Vervain 

148 

Shield  fern 

252 

Vine 

58 

Shepherd's  purse 

156 

Violet 

59 

Side-saddle  flower 

130 

Viper's  bugloss 

47 

Silk  weed 

62 

Virgin's  bower 

133 

Silver  weed 

124 

Walnut 

228 

Skunk  cabbage 

39 

Water  cress 

158 

Snake  head 

153 

Water  flag 

219 

Snake  weed 

70 

Water  lily 

123 

Snap  dragon 

151 

Water  millfoil 

222 

Solornon's  seal 

80 

Water  parsnep 

69 

Sorrel 

87 

Water  pepper 

?3 

Sow  thistle 

185 

Water  plantain 

87 

Spear  grass 

24 

Water  starwort 

2 

Speedwell 

5 

Water  target 

135 

Spice  wood 

97 

Waxwork 

57 

Spike  grass 

23 

White  weed 

193 

Spikenard 

74 

Whortleberry 

92 

Spleenwort 

254 

Wild  indigo 

104 

Spruce 

234 

Willow 

239 

Spurge 

115 

Willow  herb 

90 

Spurrey 

111 

Winterberry 

79 

Squirrel-tail  grass 

28 

Wintergreen 

105 

Staff  tree 

57 

Witchhazel 

40 

Stitohwort 

110 

Wood  sorrel 

162 

St.  John's  wort 

177 

Wood  waxen 

167 

Strawberry 

123 

Woody  nightshade 

53 

Succory 

182 

Yarrow 

203 

Sumach 

71 

Yellow  eyed  grass^ 

13 

